Family Traditions

Shayla

As we pulled up to Chris's parents' house, the sprawling estate seemed even more imposing than usual. I could sense the boys' excitement about the day, but my nerves were starting to get the better of me. It wasn't just a party; it was the first time my parents and my boys would meet Chris's parents, and the pressure to make a good impression weighed on me.

Marie and Paul, my parents, followed us in their car, and when we all stepped out, they looked as anxious as I felt. Chris's mother, Margaret, greeted us at the door with a polite but distant smile.

"Welcome! So glad you could make it," she said, her eyes scanning over my parents and the boys. "What are you planning to wear for dinner? It's a bit more formal this year."

I saw my mom's face fall slightly.

"Oh… we didn't realize it was formal," she said quietly. "We didn't pack for that."

Margaret's smile stayed, but there was a definite air of disappointment.