They Abandoned Grandma for “Being Too Slow.” They Weren’t Ready for My Revenge. (3 of 4)

But I knew exactly what I was going to do.

First, I canceled their hotel reservation. Everything was booked under my name and covered by travel insurance—meaning they’d get nothing back. Then, I quietly cut off their access to the Netflix and Spotify accounts I’d been paying for. Petty? Maybe. Satisfying? Absolutely.

Four days later, Aunt Karen texted: Did you cancel our hotel?? We slept on the beach last night!! What is WRONG with you??

I replied: I don’t support people who leave elderly women alone at airports.

Silence.

Meanwhile, Grandma and I had the best weekend we’d had in years. We ordered takeout, watched old movies, flipped through photo albums. I surprised her with the weighted blanket she’d always wanted but refused to “waste money” on. She told me stories about my mom, my grandpa, and her wild twenties living above a jazz club in Detroit.

That weekend, I understood something: blood doesn’t guarantee loyalty, and kindness is not weakness.

A week later, I got an “apology” email from Aunt Karen. She claimed it was a misunderstanding. She wanted another chance.

I wrote back: I forgave you already. But Grandma deserves better than the kind of love you offer. Stay in touch with her if you want—but I’ll be watching.

Six months have passed. They still haven’t visited.

But Grandma? She’s thriving. We have Sunday lunches, work on puzzles, and she’s now the proud owner of a tablet and a playlist that swings from Norah Jones to Megan Thee Stallion.