Grandma’s Unexpected Toast

It was supposed to be a casual afternoon. Burgers on the grill, lemonade in plastic cups,

folding chairs sinking into a lawn that still smelled like fresh mulch. A backyard barbecue.

Nothing fancy. The kind of gathering where you show up with a six-pack and leave with mosquito

bites and mild regret. I wasn’t there to make a statement. I came to support, to be present,

maybe flip a few hot dogs, laugh politely, fade into the background like I always do.

Then my grandma stood up. She said it loudly, cheerfully, like she was making

a toast. “Your car loan’s fully paid now. Twelve thousand dollars is no joke,

but you’re worth it.” The laughter around the table didn’t continue.