The Day My Father Demanded the Impossible — And My Mother Finally Found Her Voice

Emily knelt beside my bed, careful not to touch the casts. “James, say what you need to say.”

I swallowed hard. “I love you, Emily. I wish I could stand beside you today, but I’m so proud of you. Don’t let anyone — not even Dad — take your joy away.”

Tears filled her eyes. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

She turned to our father, her voice steady. “If you can’t accept that, then maybe you don’t deserve to walk me down the aisle.”

The words hung in the air like thunder. My father’s face went red, but he didn’t speak. He simply turned and walked out again — this time slower, quieter, his shoulders heavy.

Emily wiped her tears, smiled at me, and said, “Thank you for being my brother.”

Then she hugged me carefully, her veil brushing against my face. “You just gave me more courage than you realize.”

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