My brother and I lived with Mom after my parents divorced. I never forgave Dad for infidelity, so we drifted apart while my brother kept close. Two years ago, Mom died.

Our mother saved for college since we were babies. Dad visited and said, “Stop applying to colleges!”
“Why?” I said, bewildered. “Because I gave your brother your college fund.”
I was mad.

You couldn’t! Mom paid for me!”
“I could, and I did,” he answered coldly. “But why would you hurt me?”
Looking tearful, I asked.

I knew he’d regret it when he said, “YOU never gave me a chance to explain.”

The words impacted me harder than expected. My throat was filled with irritation and anger. I wanted to shout but stood still.

What does that mean?”
“You only ever saw me as a villain,” he continued, softening. But I was doing what I thought was best for the family. Your mother—
“Don’t bring her into this,” I yelled, resentful.

“She wouldn’t have done this.”

I saw Dad flinch but not retreat. Instead, he stepped toward me, his eyes filled with regret I hadn’t seen in years. It wasn’t enough.

Far too little. I hurt you but didn’t know how to heal it. I attempted, but you withdrew completely.”

Stepped back.

The remarks stung more than the betrayal. After all these years and everything I had gone through, hearing him speak so honestly hit me in the gut. I stared at my father, who now seemed stranger.

You don’t understand. Mom left me something you can’t steal. I had that future too.

She dedicated her life to that. For me.”

Dad paled, and I thought he’d apologize, but he didn’t. Instead, he inhaled and spoke softly.

I gave it to Lucas because he needed it more than you. Maybe he deserved it after all those years of working with me, understanding the business, and supporting me. You…” The words weighed on him, he paused.

“You always planned differently. You always sought distinction. I doubted you would spend it wisely.”

Hard to breathe.

I had a tight chest and a terrible throat lump. My brother Lucas was always Dad’s golden child, unable to do wrong. He followed Dad into his company right out of high school and had the same smart business acumen.

I was always the dreamer, who sought more than the family company and was never enough for my father. I swallowed hard and struggled to speak. I would have used it.