I stood there, staring at the screen that displayed my father’s face, his expression a mixture of regret and anticipation. The years of distance felt like a wall between us, reinforced by each painful memory, each dismissive comment, and the glaring differences in how my sister and I had been treated. Yet, here they were, standing at the threshold of a life they never believed I could build.

My thumb hesitated over the “Open Gate” button, a simple motion with the potential to unravel two years of hard-won peace. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears, a steady rhythm that matched the distant bleating of goats and the rustle of lavender swaying in the gentle breeze.

“This is your choice now,” I reminded myself. I had carved out this life with determination and grit, learning to nurture not just the land but also my self-worth. Letting them in could mean reopening wounds that had just begun to heal.

The bees hummed in the background, a soothing sound that had become synonymous with my sanctuary here in Sonoma. The farm was more than just a property; it was a testament to my resilience and ability to thrive despite being underestimated and overlooked. Allowing my family to walk these fields felt like a risk—one that could tip the balance back to the chaos I had escaped.

I glanced back at the security monitor. Veronica had taken a step forward, her sunglasses perched atop her head now, revealing eyes that were always too quick to judge. My mother sat composed in the car, her face unreadable but for the slight frown lines that had deepened over the years.

Regret, I realized, was etched on all their faces. But I wasn’t ready to let their regret become my burden. They had chosen their paths, just as I had chosen mine. And while I had found a community that supported and uplifted me, they had continued to dismiss my journey, until now.

“Five minutes,” my father had said. But what could five minutes do? Would they acknowledge the hurt they had caused? Could they truly understand the strength it took to build a life from nothing, without their support?

The gate remained closed. At that moment, I realized that forgiveness might not be something I owed them—it was something I needed for myself. By holding onto the hurt, I was still tethered to a past that couldn’t be changed. But letting them in, even for just five minutes, might shatter the fragile peace I had cultivated.

With a deep breath, I made my decision. My thumb moved with intention, not to open the gate, but to turn off the monitor. The lavender farm, my sanctuary, remained secure and untouched by those who had cast me aside. The bees continued their dance, the goats their playful antics, and the sun warmed the land that had become my refuge.

As I walked away, I felt lighter. My journey was my own, and I would continue to grow and flourish, with or without their acknowledgment. Family, I realized, was not defined by blood, but by those who stand by you, root for your success, and celebrate your victories. And in those moments, amidst the fields of lavender, I was surrounded by family.