Every Fourth of July, Leona plans the perfect party—alone—while her husband Joel basks in the credit. This year, with his brother Miles visiting, Joel insists on going “all out,” which still means Leona does everything. Joel grills ribs and calls it a day.
At the party, Joel boasts, “It’s the ribs that bring everyone back,” erasing Leona’s tireless efforts. She retreats to cry in the bathroom, quietly breaking.
Then chaos erupts—Joel’s grill catches fire after he squirts lighter fluid onto lit coals. Flames soar. Guests scream. His apron burns. Miles records everything.
With Joel’s moment literally in flames, guests feast on Leona’s food and thank her. One quietly says, “You don’t owe him your invisibility.”
Joel never apologizes.
A week later, he asks if they should skip hosting next year.
She says yes.
Next Fourth, Leona will be at the lake, alone—with sangria, a pie, and her peace.
No more burning out for someone else’s spotlight.
