I sat completely still.

I did not mention my rank.

I did not mention my awards.

I had learned long ago that, to my parents, if you were not famous or rich in a way they could brag about, you simply did not matter.

“We’ll fix this,” my mother hissed, snatching up her purse. “Don’t think you’ll keep that money. We’ll sue you until you have nothing left.”

“Do what you need to do,” I said.

They stormed out, leaving behind the smell of expensive perfume and fury.

Three days later, a process server came to my apartment.

I signed for the envelope.

Plaintiff: Robert and Linda Vance.