Everyones invited to the birthday except you, announced Lucy in the family group chat.
Mother, thats enough! I cant drive up to you every week! I have a life of my own!
Emily clutched the phone, feeling a hot knot form in her chest. Her mother had called for the third time that day, each call sounding the same.
Emily, whats this? Lucy was here yesterday with a cake. And you havent called all week!
Mom, I called the day before yesterday, and Ill bring a cake too just not every day!
Exactly, not every day. Lucy brings hers every week. Thats what a daughters supposed to do.
Emily shut her eyes and counted to ten. The argument replayed over and over. Lucy had always been Mums favourite, ever since they were children.
Love, I have an early shift tomorrow. Can we talk later?
Yes, of course, youre always busy. Lucy has work too, but she always finds the time.
Emily hung up without a goodbye, exhausted from the endless comparisons.
The phone buzzed. A new message appeared in the family chat. Emily opened it to see a long post from Lucy.
Hi all! As you know, Mums 60th birthday is coming up. Im organising a dinner at The Riverside. Everyone is invited. Ive booked a table for twenty. Please RSVP by Friday.
Below the note was a list of invited relatives aunts, uncles, cousins, even a thirdcousin from York theyd only met once. Emily scrolled to the bottom. Her name was missing.
She read the message again. No mistake. Her name simply wasnt there.
She typed back into the chat:
Lucy, am I invited?
The reply was instant:
Everyones invited except you. Mum decided that.
Emily stared at the screen, the words blurring. She read the reply a second, a third time. Was it a joke? Had Lucy been cruel?
No one else questioned the omission. Aunt Agnes confirmed shed be there, cousin Robert said hed come with his wife. No one asked why Emily wasnt on the list.
Emily dialled Mums number. One ring, two rings, three rings no answer.
She called Lucy.
Hello? Lucys voice was calm, almost detached.
Lucy, whats this about? Why am I not on the guest list?
I told you. Mum doesnt want you at her party.
Why?
Lucy was silent a moment.
She thinks youre a bad daughter, that you dont care about her.
Thats not true! I call, I visit, I help!
It isnt enough, Lucy said, a hint of satisfaction in her tone. Mum said she doesnt want you there, and Im backing her up.
Youre backing her up? Im your sister!
And thats why I know the real you selfish, only thinking of yourself.
What are you talking about?
That youve always done as you pleased. You left town when Mum needed help. You married James even though Mum objected. You only had one child, even though Mum wanted grandchildren.
Emily could barely believe what she was hearing.
Lucy, are you serious? I went to university! I got a degree! Thats a crime?
You could have studied here. There are good universities in this city too.
My course was only offered there! And James is a good man; Mum just doesnt like him!
Lucys voice hardened. Exactly, she never liked you. You always did things the opposite of what she wanted.
Emily felt the room spin. She wasnt invited to her own mothers birthday because she was a bad daughter. She dropped onto the sofa, covering her face with her hands. Tears threatened, but she held them back. There was no time to cry; she needed to understand what was happening.
She dialled Mum again. This time she answered.
Emily, why are you calling? Lucy is handling everything, dont worry.
Mum, why didnt you invite me?
There was a pause, then a heavy sigh.
Sweetheart, you know why. You rarely call, you rarely visit. It hurts me.
But I live three hundred miles away! I cant be there every week!
Lucy lives right here! Its a halfhour drive for her!
Exactly, shes close. I chose to move away for work and family.
I see. So your family is more important than me?
Emily felt the wave of helplessness rise.
This is your birthday, Mum. Sixty years. How can I not be there?
You should have been a better daughter.
I try to be a good daughter!
Its not enough. Lucy tries. I want to spend my day with those who love and value me.
I love you!
Show it through actions, not just words. Im sorry, Emily. My decision stands.
Mum hung up. Emily sat, phone in hand, stunned.
James returned home an hour later, seeing the redeyed look on her face.
Emily, whats wrong?
She told him everything. He frowned, shook his head.
This is absurd! How can you not be invited to your mothers birthday?
Apparently you can.
What about Lucy? How could she let this happen?
Lucy has always been Mums sidekick. Shes the extra daughter.
James sat beside her on the couch. Maybe its just a misunderstanding?
No, its not. Its a buildup of years.
Emily paced the room. Ive always felt guilty for leaving, for marrying James against Mums wishes, for having only Alex instead of three grandchildren Mum wanted.
Emily, you had the right to choose your own life.
Yes, but every choice seems to have a price.
James put his arm around her. Maybe its for the best. You wont have to sit through a party where theyll gossip about you behind your back.
She thought about that. Maybe not going would spare her the hurt. Yet the pain of being excluded by her own mother lingered.
The next day Emily called Aunt Agnes, always kind to her.
Hello, Aunt Agnes, its Emily.
Emily dear! How are you?
Did you see the chat about Mums birthday?
Yes, Im planning a gift.
Did you notice I wasnt on the list?
Agnes paused. I did, love. It surprised me.
And you didnt say anything?
What can I say? Its Mums decision. Lucy explained it to me.
What did she say?
That you rarely call, you dont give Mum enough attention. That shes hurt.
Emily clenched the phone.
I live far away! I cant visit every week!
I understand, love. But Lucy is close. She brings Mum groceries, drives her to appointments, helps around the house.
So Im a bad daughter because I live in another city?
No one said youre a bad daughter. Mum just wants company. Shes lonely.
She has two daughters! I call, I visit when I can, I send money!
Money isnt the same as presence. She wants us nearby.
I cant just move back!
Agnes sighed. No one asks that. Just try to understand Mums fear. Shes getting older, it scares her.
Isnt it unfair?
Its painful, yes. But maybe a calm conversation could help.
Emily hung up, trying to stay calm. She tried again with Mum, but Mum wouldnt listen.
Later, cousin Oksana messaged:
Emily, I saw you werent on the guest list. Is that true?
It is. Mum doesnt want me there.
Thats madness! Youre her daughter!
She calls me a bad daughter.
Should I talk to Aunt Margaret? Maybe shell change her mind?
Try, if you wish.
Oksana later called.
I spoke to your Mum.
And?
Shes firm. She says shes tired of your indifference, that youve abandoned her. Lucy backs her up.
Did she suggest I call more often? Travel more?
Emily felt anger flare.
I call three times a week, I visit every monthandahalf. Thats all I can manage.
Is that not enough?
How many times would be enough? Every day? Move in?
Its not about numbers. She feels abandoned.
I feel guilty for no reason. Im done explaining.
Emily hung up, hands trembling. Every voice told her she was insufficient, that she didnt matter.
Her son Alex entered, sixteen, tall and lanky.
Mum, why are you so sad?
Just a problem, love.
What problem?
Grandma didnt invite me to her birthday.
Alexs eyes widened.
How could she do that? Why?
Im a bad daughter, she says.
Its nonsense! I call, I visit, I send money!
It isnt enough, apparently.
Alex sat beside her.
Maybe I should just skip it? If everyones like that, why bother?
Its my mother, Alex.
So if she doesnt respect me, does it matter?
Emily looked at her son. His simple honesty cut through the bitterness. She realized that if respect was absent, the invitation lost its meaning.
A week passed, the birthday loomed. Emily thought about it constantly angry, hurt, tearful. James tried to distract her, but the ache remained.
Lucy posted another reminder in the chat:
Reminder the birthday is next week. Anyone who hasnt RSVPd, please do so. We need a final headcount.
Emilys name was still absent, as if she didnt exist. She decided on one last attempt. She drove to her hometown unannounced, hoping to speak with Mum facetoface.
Mum opened the door, surprised.
Emily? What are you doing here?
Can I come in?
Mum reluctantly let her in. The house looked the same old sofa, faded carpet, family photos on the mantel. A large picture of Lucy with her grandchildren now dominated the wall.
Sit down, Mum gestured to the sofa. Tea?
Please.
They sat, sipping tea in silence.
Mum, Im here to talk about the birthday.
Mum set her cup down.
No need, Ive already decided.
But thats wrong! Im your daughter!
Youre the daughter who left.
I didnt leave, I moved for education, work, my own life!
Exactly, your own life, not mine.
Emily felt the heat rise again.
Mum, I was twenty when I left. I had the right to build my own future.
Yes, but you could have stayed, married a local man, had more children, been near.
James is a good man!
He took me away from you.
He didnt take me; we chose to live where his job was.
Mum waved a hand.
Its all the same. Youre far, I struggle.
Lucy is nearby, thats why shes a good daughter. She looks after me.
I do too, in my own way!
Your care isnt enough.
Emily stood, the resolve firm.
You know what, Mum? No matter what I do, it will never be enough for you because Im not Lucy. I chose a different path, and thats my right.
Mum replied, Wrong path.
My path! And I have a right to it!
Mum stood as well. You have a right, but Ill spend my birthday with those who value me.
Emily grabbed her bag. Fine. I wont intrude any more. Live as you wish.
She left without looking back, tears streaming, unwashed. She sat in the car, engine off, emptiness filling her. She had tried to negotiate, but Mum wouldnt hear. Perhaps it was time to let go.
James met her at the door, concern on his face.
How did it go?
Nothing changed.
Maybe its for the best. Youll be free from that guilt.
Maybe.
Emily lay on the couch, closing her eyes. The guilt that had haunted her for years began to loosen.
The birthday arrived. Relatives gathered, tables laden, gifts exchanged, Mum beaming, Lucy by her side, hugging Mums shoulders. Emily watched the photos scroll through the chat, feeling a tug inside as she saw the whole family everyone except her. She turned off the phone and fell asleep.
The next morning Aunt Agnes called.
Emily dear, how are you?
Im okay, Aunt Agnes.
I was at the party. Mum seemed unusually sad, smiling through it. When everyone left, she broke down, saying she missed her missing daughter.
Emily sat up.
She missed me? But she never invited me.
I told her you werent invited because she expected youd turn up anyway, to spite her.
Was that a test?
It sounded like it. She argued with Lucy, then realised shed made a mistake. She now regrets it.
Emily felt a mix of sorrow and relief.
Im tired of these games, Aunt Agnes. Let Mum learn to show love the right way.
I agree, love. She does miss you, even if she cant show it.
Emily thanked her and hung up, feeling the weight of compassion for her mother, but also the clarity that pity shouldnt force her to sacrifice herself.
Another week passed. Emily didnt call Mum, didnt text. She simply lived her life. Lucys messages ceased. Relatives were quiet.
One evening Lucy texted privately:
Mum wants to know why you dont call.
Emily replied, Why? She doesnt want me there.
Just a reminder the whole birthday went on without you.
Its fine.
Lucys tone grew sharper: Stop being a whiner. Call Mum, shes upset.
Emily stopped replying.
A few days later Mum called.
Emily, can I come stay with you?
Emily was startled.
Come to us?
Yes. I havent seen Alex in ages. I need to talk.
Will Lucy be okay with that?
I havent asked her permission. Im an adult; I can decide.
Emily smiled.
Come then, Mum.
Mum arrived that weekend. Emily met her at the station; they hugged awkwardly, then settled into the kitchen.
Mum looked around, praised the tidy flat, chatted with James and Alex. Over dinner they talked about the weather, news, small things. Later, after the men had gone, Mum and Emily were alone.
Mum, Im sorry for the birthday, she began. I was wrong. I tried to manipulate you, hoping youd prove your love by showing up.
Emily listened, silent.
Ive thought a lot since then. I see now that youre right. You deserve to live your own life. I cant force you to be near all the time.
Thank you for understanding.
Mum sighed. Its hard. I want you close, but I know thats impossible.
I can be close from a distance calls, visits when I can. Not every day, not on demand.
Mum nodded. Ill try to accept that.
Emily asked, And Lucy? How is she?
Mums angry with her. She thinks Im betraying her.
Emily smiled gently. Lucy lives nearby, she can help you daily. I cant, but I love you just the same, in a different way.
Mum took Emilys hand. I know now. Im sorry for the hurt I caused.
They sat together, hands intertwined, a quiet peace settling between them.
Mum stayed three days, helping with Alex, chatting with James, laughing. When she left, she hugged Emily tightly.
Thank you for not turning away.
Youre my mother. I could never.
Maybe I could have, but you set boundaries, and thats right.
Emily watched the train pull away, feeling a chapter close. The old roles, the expectations, the painall fading.
Back home, James asked, How did the visit go?
It was good. We finally talked, honestly.
Whats the plan now?
Well build a new relationship, honest and free of manipulation.
Will it work?
Well try.
Emily settled onto the sofa, opened a book, and felt life moving forward. She had a job she loved, a supportive husband, a teenage son who made her smile, and a mother learning to respect her choices.
The lingering guilt had lessened, replaced by a calm confidence that she didnt have to give up herself to be loved.
Later, Aunt Agnes called again.
Mums changed after the birthday. Shes calmer, hardly complains. She even told Lucy to stop judging you.
Really?
Yes, she said you have the right to live how you wish.
Emily thought about it.
Maybe I should reach out first, but Ill let her decide.
Aunt Agnes agreed.
A week later Mum called unexpectedly.
Emily, could I come stay with you again?
Emily was surprised but pleased.
Of course, Mum.
Mum arrived, and they greeted each other with a warm embrace, no resentment, just understanding.
That evening, while the house was quiet, Mum whispered, Im sorry for the birthday. I was selfish, testingNow, holding her mothers hand, Emily smiled, knowing that love could thrive even when boundaries were finally respected.
