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“Oh, sweetie, I bet you must love those long summer breaks.
Such a… cushy life.”
Once at Easter, she told me over dessert, “Well, not everyone can handle a real career, I guess. I’m sure you’d know since you’re just a teacher.”
I remember sitting there with a fork halfway to my mouth, trying not to choke on lemon tart.
She said it with a smile, of course. Always with a smile.
But the worst, the absolute peak of humiliation, came at a Christmas dinner. Ethan’s extended family was there, and Karen had apparently decided it was the perfect time for some festive public shaming.
We were all seated around this beautifully decorated table, with the lights twinkling, candles flickering, and soft carols playing in the background.
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