“Her remarks may only cause me harm if I allow them to, honey. Furthermore, you’ve merely given her more power by striking back.” Michael gave a throat clearing. “Evelyn, I really apologize for what my mother said. It was completely inappropriate.” “I’m grateful, Michael. However, you shouldn’t apologize for it.”

Mom spoke again after a brief period of stillness. “Thank you, Sophia, for wanting to stand up for me. That’s not the way, though. That is not acceptable for us to do.” My eyes started to water. “Mom, I apologize. It just hurts me to see someone treat you horribly since I love you so much.” She drew me into an embrace.

“I understand, my dear. I also adore you. But sometimes, leading a happy and fulfilling life is the best kind of retaliation.” I felt glad as we left Mom’s place, but also a little ashamed. Michael gave me a tight squeeze. He questioned, “So, what now?”

I inhaled deeply. “I suppose I have to put this right now. Even though your mother isn’t deserving.” He gave a nod. “We’ll do it together.” We invited Vivian over the next day. Entering our apartment, she had a thunder cloud on her face. “Well?” she insisted. “Are you going to fix those atrocious photos?” I inhaled deeply.

“Vivian, I must apologize to you. I instructed the photographer to alter those images so you appear unflattering.” Her shocked eyes widened, then narrowed with rage. “How dare you —” “I’m not done,” I interrupted. “I took action after learning about your remarks regarding my mother during the wedding. Is she being called ugly? That was inappropriate and cruel.”

Like a fish, Vivian opened and closed her mouth. Michael intervened. “Mom, your words were hurtful. Since Evelyn is now a member of our family, she merits respect.” I had a brief fear that Vivian would blow up. Then her countenance changed in a certain way.

With a regretful admission, “I suppose I may have been out of line.” “We all were,” I answered. “Perhaps we should restart now? Could you please apologize to my mother and I will get the images corrected?” After hesitating, Vivian nodded. “I suppose that’s… fair.”

Though not flawless, it was a beginning. Michael grabbed me and hugged me as Vivian departed. “You have my admiration,” he whispered. I gave him a heartfelt grin. “I’m grateful. All I can hope is that this is the start of something better.”

The following week, Michael, Mom, Vivian, and I got together for dinner. Though uncomfortable at first, the tension gradually subsided as the evening went on. I watched as Mom and Vivian shared anecdotes about their kids while gingerly finding common ground.

It was something, but not quite friendship. Vivian drew me aside as we were saying our final goodbyes. “Sophia,” she uttered in a quiet voice. “I apologize. For my actions as well as my words. I hope we can go past this, because you’re fantastic for my son.”

I felt a burden release from my shoulders as I nodded. “I’d like that.” Michael smiled at me as we drove home. “Well, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” I chuckled. “Well, I guess not. But will we promise to never act in such a manner again?” He gave my hand a squeeze. “Deal.”

I reclined in my chair and reflected on our voyage together. From the ideal wedding day to the turmoil in the family and back again. It wasn’t simple, but perhaps that was the whole point of family: the complex, messy, and lovely reality of loving people for who they are, flaws and all. How would you have responded in that situation?