My sister picked Mum's retirement gift, but I let Mum think it was my idea
Confessions'My child actually listens,' Mum said, holding up the little box of replacement pieces for her old sewing machine. She was looking at me.
My sister had found them. She remembered Mum saying that one missing piece was why the machine sat unused. She checked the model, tracked down the pieces and sent me the link. I paid half and collected the parcel because my sister was away for the retirement dinner. The card had both our names on it.
When Mum asked how I'd remembered, I said, 'You mentioned it ages ago.' My sister was on a video call at the other end of the table. She didn't correct me. Later she sent one message: 'Glad you remembered so well.'
This bothers me partly because Mum often calls my sister practical and me thoughtful. For once my sister had done both, and I slid into the usual role without saying her name.
I can tell Mum who chose the gift. What I don't know is how to apologize to my sister without pretending this was only a misunderstanding about the card. I knew exactly what Mum meant, and I liked being the one she was looking at.