No one spoke.
Carol stood there, mouth open but silent, clearly not expecting to be called out.
Eric turned to me then, his voice softer. “C’mon,” he said, reaching for my hand. “If my family isn’t welcome, then neither am I.”
He scooped up Ben, who was staring wide-eyed at the tense scene, and nodded to Lily and Mia.
“Let’s go.”
I looked around the room, searching for someone—anyone—to say something, to step up. But all I saw were downcast eyes and awkward fidgeting.
Carol finally found her voice. “Eric, you’re being ridiculous!” she snapped.
“You’re really going to leave over pajamas?”
Eric turned back to her. “No, Mom. I’m leaving because of how you treat my wife and daughters.
You should be ashamed of yourself.”
Carol’s face turned red, but Eric didn’t wait for her response. He ushered us toward the door, his voice steady and calm.
“Let’s go home, guys.”
As Eric drove back, he gave me a small, tired smile. “No one messes with my family.”
That evening, back at home, Eric set up the camera in their living room.
The kids, still in their festive sweaters, sat close together on the couch. Eric wrapped an arm around Lily and Mia, while I held Ben on my lap.
The photo wasn’t perfect. Ben’s sock was missing, and Mia’s hair was slightly messy.
But the smiles were real, full of love and warmth. Eric posted it with the caption: “Family isn’t about matching outfits. It’s about love and respect.”
Carol never tried anything like that again.
From that day forward, she knew there were lines she couldn’t cross.
Do you have any opinions on this?
Source: amomama
