My parents said, “We’re doing a small Christmas — just close family.” The next morning, I saw photos: 38 people. Even my ex was there.

jobs.

So I bought a small ham, a cheap bottle of wine, and a pie I ended up eating alone in my apartment on Christmas night while old movies played quietly enough for me to hear the radiator clanking beside the wall.

The next morning, I woke up to a tag notification.

My cousin Jessica had posted photos from my parents’ house.

Not four people.

Thirty-eight.continue reading …