The day I got married, my sister Claire handed me a small white envelope.

It was nothing fancy—just a plain envelope with my name written in her neat, careful handwriting. Inside was a simple gift card to a home goods store.

I hugged her and thanked her like any grateful sister would. But if I’m honest, there was a quiet flicker of disappointment deep inside me.

Claire had always been… careful with money. Some people called it practical. I secretly called it stingy.