These misconceptions pierced Brianna’s heart. She didn’t have the luxury of frivolous spending or nights out; her days were filled with endless work and worry. But she couldn’t explain that to strangers glancing at her with disapproval, their assumptions cutting deeper than she’d ever admit.
The mother-daughter duo glanced at Brianna’s table again, their expressions unreadable. Were they pitying her? Judging her? Brianna didn’t know and didn’t want to guess. She sat stiffly, her eyes trained on the table, swallowing the bitter reality that she couldn’t shield her children—or herself—from such moments.