My sister has been a strict vegan for years. Everything in her house — from the pantry to the kids’ lunchboxes — is plant-based. When her two children came to stay the weekend, I wanted to make them feel at home. That night, as we talked about dinner, they kept begging for tacos — realtacos.

At first, I hesitated. But after seeing their excitement, I caved. I cooked them regular beef tacos. They devoured every bite, giggling and whispering, “Please don’t tell Mom.” I promised I wouldn’t. We laughed, watched movies, and they went to bed happy.

The next morning, I was jolted awake by a loud scream from the kitchen. My sister had arrived early to pick them up — and found the leftover taco meat in the pan. She stood there, frozen, then turned to me with pure disbelief. “You fed my children meat?” she shouted. Her voice cracked between anger and betrayal.

I tried to explain that the kids wanted it, that it was just one meal, but she didn’t want to hear a word. The silence that followed was heavier than any argument. She grabbed her kids and left without another sentence.

Later, her son texted me, “Auntie, that was the best dinner ever.”

I don’t know if she’ll forgive me — maybe she never will. But for one night, those kids got to taste something new, something their mom’s rules had never allowed.