At a family dinner, Jason’s new mattress sparked a fierce conflict. His mother demanded he return it to fund his half-sister Ashley’s car. Jason stood his ground, feeling neglected for years.

“I’m Jason, 18. After enduring a gnawing backache for years, I saved every penny from my part-time job to buy a new mattress. During a family dinner, the courier arrived with it. Mom was livid. ‘Return that mattress! We’re saving for Ashley’s car,’ she snapped.

I retorted, ‘I bought it with my own money. My back is killing me!’

Granddad intervened, ‘Michelle, Jason needs this bed. Your behavior is unacceptable.’ He then revealed they’d planned to gift an apartment to my parents but decided to give it to me instead. I was speechless.

Grandma added, ‘Jason deserves a place where he’s valued.’

I moved into the new apartment, feeling seen and appreciated for the first time. My parents tried to argue, but Granddad and Grandma were firm.

Mom, feeling the backlash from the family and realizing her neglect, visited me with a pie, apologizing. ‘I’ve been so focused on everything else I didn’t see how much you were struggling,’ she admitted.

‘I need time and space,’ I replied.

Mom began spending more time with Natasha and Everett, the foster kids, and encouraged Ashley to get a job. She visited often, trying to make amends.

One day, as she left, I said, ‘Thanks for the pie, Mom.’ It wasn’t much, but it was a start towards rebuilding our relationship.”