My dad slid my college letter back across the table, paid for my twin sister on the spot, and told me, “she’s worth the investment. You’re not.”

“We didn’t know.”

I almost laughed.

Of course they didn’t.

They never asked.

My father cleared his throat.

“That speech was impressive.”

I waited.

He shifted awkwardly.

“You did well.”

Still waiting.

Then it came.

Not quite an apology.

Not quite accountability.

But closer than he had ever gotten.

“I may have underestimated you.”

May have.