In my office, the glow of the screen cast a soft light across the dark mahogany desk. I adjusted my tie, a nervous habit, as I waited for the Zoom call to connect. My parents, always punctual, would be on the other end, and I braced myself for their reaction to the news about Emma and me.

The familiar chime signaled the start of the call, and my parents' faces appeared on the screen. My father, always the picture of composure, sat with his usual upright posture, while my mother’s ...