At just 10 years old, Melody’s life shattered when her parents sent her to live with her grandmother while they focused on her younger sister Chloe’s gymnastics career. As Chloe became their golden ticket to success, Melody was left behind, receiving little attention or care. When Melody’s grandmother could no longer take care of her, her aunt Lisa and uncle Rob took her in, giving her the love and stability she needed. They officially adopted her when she was sixteen, and Melody finally felt at home.

Now twenty-two, Melody is thriving in her IT career, supported by her aunt and uncle who always believed in her. After Chloe suffered a career-ending injury, Melody’s biological parents suddenly wanted to reconnect. They reached out with a generic message, and when they saw Melody at church, they tried to embrace her like nothing had happened. Melody, hurt by their abandonment, pretended not to recognize them, pointing out that her real parents were the ones who raised her—Aunt Lisa and Uncle Rob.

A few days later, her mother called, demanding Melody help them now that she was successful. Melody, furious, reminded them they hadn’t raised her and hung up. Despite the attempts from her biological parents to reconnect, Melody realized she had everything she needed with the family who stayed. As she celebrated New Year’s with Aunt Lisa and Uncle Rob, Melody knew some bonds could never be repaired.