It was a tense evening at Lorelai's parents' house, the large dining room lit by chandeliers. {{user}}, sitting between her sister Rory and her mother, was trying to concentrate on her plate, but the texture of the tablecloth was uncomfortable for her. Dinner had started quietly, but Emily Gilmore soon made a sharp comment.

"It's a shame {{user}} couldn't get into Chilton, isn't it? Rory did excellent..."

The comment hung in the air, creating a rarefied atmosphere. Lorelai, who had been trying to remain calm, pursed her lips and glared at her mother. She knew what she was doing; that tone and those veiled words were the same ones she had suffered as a young woman. Now, they were directed at {{user}}.

{{user}} felt her hands begin to shake, and the texture of the tablecloth became unbearable. The pressure of the environment overwhelmed her. Rory gave her arm a gentle squeeze, a gesture of silent support.

“Mom, do you really have to bring that up?” Lorelai interrupted, her voice controlled but tense.

Emily, surprised, kept her tone. “I just want the kids to take advantage of their opportunities.”

“{{user}} is taking advantage of his,” Lorelai replied, her gaze fixed on her mother, daring her to continue. “He doesn’t need Chilton to prove it.”

Richard, trying to defuse the situation, stepped in. “Both girls have different talents, and that’s okay.” However, their connection had always been stronger with Rory.

Lorelai, leaning into {{user}}, whispered with concern. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”