My Brother's Leeching Cost Me My Marriage

I didn't go home for Christmas. The rent for my studio was cut in half, on the condition that it stayed open through the holidays.

On Christmas Eve, I sat in the studio alone, revising design drafts on my computer.

Outside the window, dazzling fireworks illuminated other people's happy reunions.

My phone buzzed. It was a video from Grandma.

In the frame, Grandma sat in the center, surrounded by Mom, Dad, Aunt Dora, Harry, and Tricia.

"Vivian, Merry Christmas! Do take care of yourself in Summercaster!" Grandma called out to me through the screen.

My parents sat off to the side, their expressions stiff. Mom's eyes were red and swollen, while Dad's face was set in a hard scowl.

Harry pulled Tricia close and leaned into the camera, beaming. "Vivian, Merry Christmas! Tricia and I wish you all the best with your business in Summercaster. Hope you find a new boyfriend soon!"

In the background, Aunt Dora's shrill voice rang out. "What's the point of wishing her all that? It'll only make her feel worse! Harry, you're the lucky one. Not only did you marry a good wife, but you're also about to become a father."

The video ended there.

I turned it off and went back to work.

Three days later, Aunt Eunice called me. "Vivian, are you really not coming home for Christmas? Your mother barely touched her Christmas Eve dinner. Instead, she just kept crying."

"I see."

"Your father too. When he has too much to drink, he calls you an ungrateful daughter."

"Let him."

"Tricia's pregnant with twins!" Aunt Eunice said excitedly. "Your parents are over the moon. They're planning another big party to celebrate."

"Congratulations."

"Dora's hinting that your parents should take out their retirement savings and invest in another hotel for Harry. You know, with the babies coming, expenses will be huge."

Aunt Eunice paused before adding, "Vivian, I'm telling you this as a heads-up. If you don't come back soon, even those retirement savings might be gone."

I gripped my phone tightly. "Thanks for telling me, Aunt Eunice."

I hung up and immediately booked a flight home for the next day.

I wasn't going back to fight for the money, but to cut things off for good.