When Eleanor arrived at her son’s wedding, she felt out of place almost immediately. At 68 years old, she had chosen her best navy dress and arrived early, hoping to quietly take part in one of the most important days of her life.
Instead, she was escorted to a seat near the back of the venue—far from family and well behind the main guests. She did not protest. Eleanor had spent much of her life learning how to stay small and avoid inconvenience.
She had raised her son, Brandon, on her own while working for decades as an English teacher. She supported his education, celebrated his achievements, and believed their bond would always remain strong. But on that day, it was clear she no longer fit comfortably into his new world.
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