Instead, I walked into a room where no one even acknowledged it.

My sister lounged on the couch showing off a new handbag. Her husband, Trent, bragged loudly about things he barely understood. Julian stood in the center, charming everyone with that practiced smile he used on clients and strangers.

No one greeted me warmly.

My mother glanced at me and said, “You’re late.”

When I told them the funding had closed, Trent smirked and made a joke about “diversity money.” The room laughed lightly.