My sister told me I couldn’t come to her “childfree” wedding because I’m 19. Then she sent the Amazon registry—front and center, a $300 blender—with a cheery reminder that I was “still family.” I told her I was broke and went to bed with my stomach burning. By morning, I knew exactly what to send: a handwritten letter and a box of our childhood.
Marissa is 28—straight-A’s, perfect fiancé, and an “adults-only” wedding that was supposed to look like a magazine spread. I was still in high school when she got engaged, but it didn’t hit me until the formal invite arrived with my name missing. I texted to make sure it wasn’t a mistake.
“Hey, don’t take it personally. It’s a childfree event. You’re technically still a teen.”
It stung. I’m in community college, working part-time to help with rent, paying my own phone bill, saving for a used car. Not exactly a toddler with sticky hands.
A week before the big day, a group email landed: “Marissa & Lucas Wedding Registry 💍” with a note:
“Even if you can’t be there, you’re still family! Continues…