A week before, Jeff wouldn’t stop bragging about the “special gift” he had for her. On the day, he handed her a beautifully wrapped package. Mom’s face lit up—for a moment. Then she unwrapped it: a pack of toilet paper.
He sneered, “Thought it was perfect.”
Mom laughed nervously, but I saw the tears in her eyes. My sisters and I exchanged a look. Enough was enough.
Two days later, we invited Jeff to a “family dinner” at a Chinese restaurant. The plan? Let’s just say it was petty, spicy, and unforgettable.
My stepdad, Jeff, always bragged about being the “man of the house,” but when his “special gift” for Mom’s birthday turned out to be toilet paper, it was time for payback.
Jeff loved reminding us he was the breadwinner, while Mom stayed silent. This year, he hyped up his gift, but when Mom opened it, we knew we had to act.
We invited him to his favorite Chinese restaurant and served him the spiciest dishes, knowing he’d overdo it. Meanwhile, Mom and my sisters packed up the house, even taking all the toilet paper.
When we got home, Jeff freaked out over the missing toilet paper and recliner. Mom announced she was leaving him, and we left, laughing. The next day, we sent Jeff a birthday gift: another jumbo pack of toilet paper with a note, “For a real man.”
Mom moved in with my sister, and Jeff got what he deserved. Finally, Mom is free.
