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.

beside my mother in the navy sweater I bought him two Christmases earlier.

The caption read: “Nothing better than real family at Christmas.”

I stared at the screen until my hands felt numb.

Then my phone buzzed.

A text from Mason: “Hey, Netflix isn’t working.”

One minute later: “Also my phone says payment issue?”

My parents’ utility account was still attached continue reading …