At just 16, Mia was already balancing school, dreams, and a complicated home life. She lived with her father and her stepmother, Trudy—a woman who had only been in their lives for two years but often treated the household as her own kingdom. While Mia did her best to avoid conflict, things came to a head around Trudy’s birthday.
Trudy planned an elaborate celebration: catering, elegant decor, and even a gin station. It was the kind of event that could rival a wedding reception. A few days before the party, she approached Mia with an unexpected request: a new dishwasher as a birthday gift.
“I’ve done a lot for you,” she told Mia, implying that the gift was more of a duty than a choice.
Mia, who had been saving every cent from babysitting to buy a prom dress, gently explained that she couldn’t afford such a gift. Trudy dismissed her dreams, calling a prom dress “impractical.” Still, Mia didn’t argue. She simply kept saving, holding on to her vision of one special night in a dress she loved.
On the day of the party, Mia helped without complaint. She cleaned, set up, and quietly ensured everything ran smoothly. But later that evening, in front of dozens of guests, Trudy made a comment that stunned everyone.
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