Harper, a digital marketing consultant, financially supports her dismissive retired parents. Despite her success, they never take her work seriously, often comparing her to her cousin Rachel, a lawyer. Harper covers all their bills due to their lost retirement savings. A week before Thanksgiving, she calls to finalize their visit and mentions her boss, Claire, will be joining them. She urges her parents to show respect for her job when Claire is there.
Thanksgiving day arrives, and dinner begins well. Claire asks about Harper’s latest project, but her dad interrupts with a dismissive laugh, “So, you spent months playing on social media all day?” His words cut through the festive air, leaving Harper embarrassed.
After Claire leaves, Harper sends her parents a fake law school acceptance letter. They call back days later, apologizing and admitting they underestimated her work. Harper sets new financial boundaries, and her parents start to respect her career, realizing the value of her contributions.