Mom Hosted Dinner Every Sunday Until One Week She Texted, ‘Please Don’t Come Today’ —

When Mom abruptly canceled our weekly family dinner with a curt text, my brother Brian and I sensed trouble. Rushing to her house, we found her tense, slicing carrots, with a man who looked like our late father sitting at the kitchen table. Stunned, we learned he was James, Dad’s twin brother, a secret kept for 30 years. Mom revealed she loved James first, a wild free-spirit who left her heartbroken. Dad, steady and devoted, helped her heal, and they built a life together. But during a rough patch, Mom admitted she initially married Dad out of spite, though

she grew to love him deeply. James, recently resurfaced, sought forgiveness and a second chance, stirring old wounds. Furious, we asked him to leave. Mom, overwhelmed with guilt, feared she’d betrayed Dad and us. We reassured her, affirming her love for Dad and our cherished childhood. That night, we stayed, shared pizza, and rebuilt our bond. Mom’s next text confirmed Sunday dinner was back on, signaling her return to us. The table, etched with our family’s history, would see more love and healing.