By New Year’s, my family had called with apologies, each more heartfelt than the last. Bianca was the most remorseful, her voice cracking as she admitted, “I really thought I was teaching her a lesson. I see now how wrong I was.”

I listened, but I also made sure they understood that forgiveness would take time. Ruby’s trust had been broken, and rebuilding it would require patience and sincerity.

As we ventured into a new year, a different kind of tradition began. My family started volunteering at shelters and community centers, working with children who needed support and love. It was their way of making amends, of showing that they had learned from their mistakes.