Why Was the Woman Upset?

A woman and her daughter had become incredibly close ever since her father left them for his new family. But a week before her graduation party, the daughter approached her mom, expressing the desire to invite her estranged father.

However, her dad could attend the event on one condition.

On June 1, 2022, an anonymous female narrator turned to the “AITA” subreddit to pen her story. The woman, who was in her 40s, had an 18-year-old daughter, B, who had been very close to her father during her younger years despite her parents breaking up before she was born.

However, their relationship took a turn when she turned eight, and her father got married, after which he became distant and eventually abandoned her for his new family. This abandonment had a significant impact on B, leading to rebellious behavior. Despite her struggles, B attended therapy and seemed to be coping well.

B had not seen her father since she was 12, and he spoke to her only a few times a year, making empty promises of rekindling their relationship. Despite this, B and her mother shared a strong bond, often doing everything together. B even referred to her mother as her “best friend,” indicating the closeness between them.

As B’s graduation approached, the woman felt excited about the event. However, a week before the graduation party, B approached her mother and shared her intention to invite her father and his son to the celebration. The ultimatum given by her father was that the woman could not attend the event if he were to come.

Feeling hurt and betrayed, the woman expressed her anger toward B, stating that she felt unforgivably betrayed. B, in response, explained that she wanted her father to be a part of her milestone moments, just as her mother had been present for many of them. This disagreement escalated into a heated argument between them.

Feeling desperate, the night before the graduation, the woman pleaded with her daughter, hoping to change her mind. But B remained unyielding, stating firmly, “I’m sorry, but I’m not changing my mind.” Devastated, the woman left, her heart heavy with sorrow. She cried until her sister intervened, offering solace by suggesting they go out during the graduation to divert her thoughts, a suggestion the woman accepted.

What Happened on Graduation Day?

The next morning, as the day of the graduation arrived, the woman woke up to find her daughter in tears. Glancing at the time, she realized the ceremony was about to begin in mere minutes. Perplexed, she asked B why she hadn’t left yet.
B, her voice filled with disappointment, revealed that her father had abandoned her once again and was no longer responding. The woman hugged her daughter tightly, advising her to make the most of her graduation despite the situation.

In response, B questioned if her mother wouldn’t be attending now that her father wasn’t, fearing the embarrassment of being the only one without parents present. The woman expressed regret, apologizing once more, and explained that she already had plans. B, in her anguish, screamed at her mother, labeling her a bad mom.

Despite the turmoil, the woman chose not to attend the ceremony, standing firm in her decision to teach her daughter that actions have consequences, even if it shattered her to do so.

Since B’s return from the graduation, she remained silent, appearing deeply despondent and as though she had been crying for an eternity.