My stepdad always made a big deal about being the “man of the house,” but when his “special gift” for my mom’s birthday turned out to be a pack of toilet paper, I decided it was time for payback. And let’s just say someone else ended up desperately needing that present.
My stepfather, Jeff, loved reminding us he was the breadwinner of the house throughout our entire childhood. Anytime we sat down to dinner, he’d start with his usual spiel.
A man lauhing at a dinning table | Source: Midjourney
“You’re lucky I keep this roof over your heads,” he’d say and chortle. He also said it all the time while leaning back on his worn-out recliner. It was his favorite thing in the world.
My mom, Jane, always nodded along. She was the kind of woman who avoided conflict at any cost. She wasn’t raised in the 1950s, but her upbringing had been different from ours. Staying quiet had become almost an art form for her.
As her kids, my siblings (Chloe, Lily, and Anthony) and I could see that she desperately wanted to speak up but didn’t. Meanwhile, we surely didn’t consider him “the king of the castle” or a “real man,” which were other phrases Jeff used to describe himself.
A woman at a dinning table | Source: Midjourney
Yes, he paid all the bills while we were growing up, and we were thankful. But that wasn’t an excuse to treat our mother like a servant and think he was better than the rest of us.
We had tried for years to get Mom to leave him to no avail.
Eventually, we all moved out of their house as we reached adulthood, but my sisters and I continued to visit Mom often. Anthony lived on the other side of the country, but he checked in every other day.
A man on the phone | Source: Midjourney
Still, we worried about her.
I felt that our visits weren’t enough to truly know what was going on in that house. I often sat alone in my apartment and wondered if Mom would ever leave this man and if there was something he could do to finally make her snap out of her proverbial shackles.
Yes, this is where it gets good.
This year, Jeff simply went too far. For days leading up to Mom’s birthday, he wouldn’t stop bragging about the “special gift” he’d picked out for her.
A man on a reclining chair | Source: Midjourney
“This one’s going to knock her socks off,” he said over dinner at their house, grinning like a buffoon.
I wanted to believe him. Maybe he had finally decided to treat her with the respect she deserved. But deep down, I knew better. Jeff was Jeff, and people like him never changed.
My mom’s birthday arrived, and of course, my sisters and I were there, sitting in the living room. Jeff had a twinkle in his eyes, and I knew Mom had hope in hers.
Three sisters with presents in their hands | Source: Midjourney
After she opened our presents, my stepdad handed her a huge, beautifully wrapped package. He was smiling, and my mom’s face lit up as she carefully untied the ribbon.
“Oh, Jeff, you didn’t have to,” she said softly.
“Yes, I did. Go on. Open it,” he urged, leaning forward in his chair.
She unwrapped the box slowly, savoring the moment… until she saw what was inside— toilet paper. 12-pack. Four-ply. Jumbo rolls.
A woman smiling with a big present | Source: Midjourney
Mom blinked in confusion.
“It’s so soft. Just like you!” Jeff declared, slapping his knee and cackling. “And look, four-ply, to represent your four kids. Perfect, right?”
Mom let out a nervous laugh, but I could see her eyes glistening. My sisters and I exchanged a look. This wasn’t just a bad joke; it was cruel.
We’d had enough. We had to do something.
A woman looking angry | Source: Midjourney
***
Two days later, our plan began to take shape. Jeff loved two things: being the “big man” and free food. So, we invited him to a “family dinner” at the Chinese restaurant he always raved about.
Chloe, my youngest sibling, was the one who planted the idea.
“We’ll do it in his favorite place. He won’t suspect a thing,” she said, smirking.
Lily, being the eldest and most practical, raised an eyebrow. “And what happens after?”
“Oh, don’t worry,” Chloe replied. “We’ll handle it.”
A woman smiling | Source: Midjourney
We set the date and made sure to hype it up, so Jeff wouldn’t miss it.
“Dinner’s on us this time,” Chloe told him sweetly
Jeff puffed out his chest. “Well, it’s about time someone else paid for once. I’m glad that being out of the house has finally opened your eyes to how great you fared because of me!”
We rolled our eyes internally.
The restaurant was bustling that night. Shiny red lanterns hung from the ceiling, giving the space a nice reddish glow.
Chinese restaurant | Source: Midjourney
The food from other tables smelled delicious, and I could tell Jeff was hungry as we sat down at our table.
“When are your mom and Lily getting here?” he asked, wrinkling his nose toward the front door.
“Don’t worry. They’ll be here soon. How about we order food anyway?” I suggested, nodding towards Chloe.
She agreed and started rattling off things she wanted, things we specifically planned to order: Szechuan beef, Kung Pao chicken, and the spiciest mapo tofu on the menu.
Chinese menu | Source: Midjourney
Jeff ordered his usual, but I knew what we had in mind would still work.
Each dish came out looking like a masterpiece of fiery reds and deep browns, garnished with fresh herbs and enough chili to make a grown man cry.
Chloe’s eyes twinkled as the waiter finished arranging everything on the table.
“Jeff, you can handle spicy, right?” she asked, pretending to be concerned.
A woman smiling at Chinese restaurant | Source: Midjourney
Jeff stayed silent for a second, stumped, then nodded quickly. “I didn’t realize you gals wanted to share everything. Of course, I can eat anything. Nothing is ever too spicy for a real man.”
I chimed in with, “Be careful with these, though. They’re pretty hot.”
I just knew my words would make him mad.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Amelia,” Jeff scoffed and took his chopsticks to skewer a piece of beef straight into his mouth.
A man looking serious at a Chinese restaurant | Source: Midjourney
At first, he gave out an exaggerated moan, to “prove his manliness,” but soon, his face turned redder than the lanterns above us. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he chewed and breathed through his nose.
“Everything alright?” Chloe asked, again faking worry.
“Yes, yes,” he lied through his full mouth. “This is good stuff.”
I was sure Jeff wouldn’t grab more after gulping down an entire glass of Coke, but Chloe and I began eating in earnest.
“Oh, it’s not so spicy after all,” Chloe commented, smiling sugary-sweet. She was baiting him.
A woman smiling with chopsticks in her hand | Source: Midjourney
I nodded, grabbing more.
Not to be outdone, Jeff began to eat more. He was breathing roughly now, but when we asked if he was alright, he simply said, “This really clears the sinuses, gals.”
Still, his fingers went up and snapped at the waiter to bring him more Coke.
Chloe leaned over and whispered, “He’s going to feel that later.”
“Oh, definitely,” I whispered back, grinning conspiratorially.
A woman smiling | Source: Midjourney
***
While Jeff was busy showing off his “macho” tolerance for heat, Mom and Lily were busy back at the house with a rented U-Haul and movers.
They worked quickly to load up Mom’s belongings, such as clothes, keepsakes, her favorite chair, and even the toaster. I told them to take the things Mom had given Jeff over the years by saving up when she could: the recliner and his specialty tools.
A truck and workers loading boxes | Source: Midjourney
But the pièce de résistance was Chloe telling them to remove every single roll of toilet paper in the house.
***
Jeff was still red when we left the restaurant, and he was grumbling about Mom and Lily being no-shows. So I just suggested going to the house to see if anything had happened.
When we arrived, everything was ready. The truck had already left. Meanwhile, Mom and Lily were hiding in the garage.
Jeff walked in with Chloe and me right behind him. He barely made it two steps into the living room before he froze.
A dimly lit living room | Source: Midjourney
“Where’s my recliner?” he barked, scanning the empty spot.
“Gone,” Chloe piped in casually, tilting her head. “Mom took what’s hers.”
Jeff turned to us and his face reddened again, but before he could say another word, his stomach gurgled loudly. He doubled over slightly, clutching his gut.
“Oh, man, I think that spicy food—” He paused, looking around frantically.
A man holding his stomach | Source: Midjourney
“Is something wrong, Jeff? I hope it wasn’t the food,” I said, blinking innocently.
He stared daggers at me before bolting down the hall. Moments later, we heard the bathroom door slam.
Lily and Mom appeared out of their hiding spot right in time to hear the sound of Jeff panicking. “What the hell? Where’s all the toilet paper?!” he yelled.
I couldn’t hold it in anymore.
“We took that along with the recliner!” I shouted, laughter bubbling up. “After all, it also belonged to Mom!”
A woman laughing | Source: Midjourney
“WHAT?” he shouted back.
It seemed like he wasn’t getting it, so Mom stepped closer to the bathroom door. “I’M LEAVING YOU, JEFF! And I took what was mine,” she exclaimed firmly. “Including my dignity.”
Jeff groaned loudly from behind the bathroom door. “You can’t just leave me like this!” he yelled.
“WATCH ME!” Mom replied, adding, “Not that you can right now, but enjoy staying in the bathroom all night!”
A woman next to a closed door | Source: Midjourney
My sisters and I stared at each other, giggling.
Jeff groaned, and there were other unsavory sounds, which I took as our cue to leave. “Let’s go, Mom,” I said.
She nodded and walked out, thanking us.
***
The next day, Jeff tried to call her. Over and over again, he left voicemails full of fake apologies and pitiful excuses.
“Jane, come on, be reasonable! You can’t just run off like this!” he begged.
A man using a phone | Source: Midjourney
But Mom didn’t answer or call back.
Instead, Chloe had a better idea.
On his birthday, we sent Jeff a little gift. A jumbo pack of toilet paper, wrapped just as carefully as the one he’d given Mom.
Attached was a handwritten note that read: “For a real man.”
Rolls of toilet paper on a porch | Source: Midjourney
Mom moved in with Lily, a temporary arrangement where we all helped while she found a job. Anthony was delighted to learn about what we had done and wished he was there, too.
From what I hear, Jeff’s still complaining to anyone who’ll listen. But Mom is finally living her life without his control, and we couldn’t be prouder.
A happy woman | Source: Midjourney
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Emotional Moment: Reports reveal that Prince Harry was brought to tears after learning that his brother, Prince William, received a new title from King Charles, adding tension between the royal siblings.
Prince Harry is reportedly devastated after learning that his brother, Prince William, has been awarded a new military title once held by Harry himself. King Charles appointed William as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a role Harry cherished during his time as a working royal. According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, this news has left Harry “in tears” and feeling further isolated from his family.
The military title was something deeply personal to Harry, as it connected to one of the few periods in his life when he felt recognized for his own achievements, independent of his royal status.
Harry had always taken great pride in his military service. He served ten years in the British Army, completing two tours of duty in Afghanistan, and his role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps was a point of honor. Losing that title has been particularly painful for him, as it symbolizes a deeper separation from his previous life and the duties he genuinely loved. Richard Fitzwilliams noted that for Harry, this decision by his father is a “real kick in the teeth,” especially given his strained relationship with both King Charles and Prince William in recent years.
The timing of the announcement has only worsened the situation for Harry. Buckingham Palace made the news public while Harry was in the U.K. for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, an event he founded to honor wounded veterans. During this time, Harry appeared at St. Paul’s Cathedral, wearing his KCVO (Royal Victorian Order) medal, a reminder of his contributions to the monarchy.
Royal author Tom Quinn suggested that Harry’s choice to wear the medal at this event was a symbolic gesture, saying, “This was Harry’s way of reminding his family that his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, valued his contributions to the royal family.”
Despite the emotional blow, Harry remains committed to his ties with the military. However, being stripped of this honorary role in favor of his brother has reportedly intensified his feelings of betrayal. Fitzwilliams commented that Harry believes this decision further marginalizes him, reinforcing the distance between him and his family. He is said to be especially hurt that the title was given to his brother, someone he sees as part of the reason behind many of his struggles with the royal family.
Harry’s reaction to William’s new title reflects deeper issues within the royal family. The strained relationship between the brothers has been widely reported, and this latest development is seen as a significant blow to any hopes of reconciliation. The fact that Harry was once proud of his role in the military but is now watching his former position being given to his brother is seen by many as a public demonstration of how far he has been distanced from his royal duties.
As the royal family prepares for the official title handover at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop in May 2024, it marks a further step in what some see as Harry’s increasing estrangement from his previous life. The appointment of Prince William as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps seems to cement Prince Harry’s permanent departure from both his military and royal responsibilities, a reality that, according to sources, has left him deeply saddened and emotional.
Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal expert, emphasized that the conflict between Prince Harry and King Charles III is one of the most publicized family rifts in the world. He suggested that if the situation had been handled privately, away from media speculation, there might have been a greater chance for reconciliation. Unfortunately, the tensions between the Duke of Sussex and his father run deep, as evidenced by the fact that, even when Harry returned to the U.K. in May 2024, they did not meet, which shocked and disappointed the public.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry released a statement confirming that, despite numerous inquiries and rumors, the Duke would not be meeting with the King during his visit due to the King’s busy schedule. The statement explained that Harry understood his father’s commitments and hoped to see him soon. King Charles, recently back to his public duties after a period of treatment for cancer, was occupied with official events, including a meeting with the Prime Minister of Fiji and the season’s first garden party at Buckingham Palace.
This news led to a wave of public backlash, with many criticizing the King for not prioritizing his son. Some social media users condemned the situation, calling it “unforgivable” and expressing disappointment in Charles, while others defended Harry, noting that he had made numerous attempts to reconnect. One commenter remarked that it was clear King Charles chose his position and duties over his family.
Prince Harry’s schedule during his visit was also packed, as he focused on the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. He participated in various events, including giving a reading at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Despite being in the same country, the physical and emotional distance between Harry and his father—and his brother, Prince William—remains significant.
In an earlier interview with “Good Morning America,” Prince Harry spoke openly about the strained relationship with his brother. When asked how their late mother, Princess Diana, would feel about their falling out, Harry said she would likely be saddened but would also recognize that healing the relationship would require going through these difficult phases. He added that he feels his mother’s presence more strongly now than ever before, especially during these times of family turmoil.
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