The inequality didn’t make me bitter. Exactly. It made me independent. I graduated with honors in graphic design, landed a job at a marketing firm, and met Marcus Chen at a professional networking event. He was a software developer with kind eyes and a laugh that made my chest warm. We dated for 2 years before he proposed on a hiking trail overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. My parents attended our wedding, but they left early. Hannah had a stomachache. She was 22 years old.

Marcus and I built a beautiful life together. We bought a modest house in a neighborhood with good schools, planning for the future. When I got pregnant 2 years into our marriage, we were thrilled. I called my mother immediately, expecting at least some semblance of enthusiasm. That’s nice, dear.

Patricia said, “Hannah just got engaged, though.

Can you believe it?” to Drew Sutton, the investment banker.

His family owns half of Lake Asiggo. 3 months into my pregnancy, Hannah announced she was also expecting. Suddenly, my mother had time for baby conversations, except every conversation was about Hannah’s pregnancy. Hannah’s morning sickness was so much worse than normal. Hannah’s cravings were so specific. Hannah needed custom prenatal vitamins shipped from Sweden.