Chapter 4 - Camille’s Birthday
The truth reached Marlo through a cousin’s social-media post.
Her parents had spent graduation weekend in Sacramento celebrating Camille’s twenty-sixth birthday.
It was not a milestone birthday.
Still, Elaine rented a large white tent for the backyard. There were musicians, professional catering, floral centerpieces, a champagne wall, and a custom cake shaped like a designer handbag.
Forty guests attended.
Harold gave a toast about how Camille brought joy into every room.
Elaine posted photographs captioned with messages about celebrating the daughter who “always kept family first.”
Marlo looked at the images while sitting in a coffee shop across from Stanford.
She was still wearing her graduation robe.
Her cap rested beside her laptop.
For years, she had explained the difference between herself and Camille as circumstance.
Camille needed more help.
Camille was sensitive.
Camille struggled with direction.
Camille still lived at home because California was expensive.
Marlo had been independent because she was capable.
That was how Elaine framed it.
Capability became the reason Marlo received less.
Camille’s dependency became the reason she received everything.
The birthday party had cost more than Marlo’s parents had contributed to either of her degrees.
But the money was not what hurt.
They had chosen the party.
Then lied about Marlo failing so no one would ask why.
Marlo closed the photographs.
She ordered coffee.
May you like
Opened her laptop.
And found the email that changed the next chapter of her life.
