My daughter-in-law pushed a stack of greasy plates into my hands and said, “Could you finish these? My mother prefers her wine chilled.”

buy Christmas presents.

I looked at the plates.

Then placed them carefully on the marble counter.

I didn’t reach for the sponge or turn on the faucet. I didn’t announce that someone else could clean for once.

I slowly dried my hands with a paper towel.

Then I walked to the hallway closet.

My wool coat hung beside Rachel’s expensive winter parka. I put it on, picked up my purse, and checked for my keys.

Laughter continued in the next room.

They still hadn’t noticed.

That hurt for about three