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.”

is supposed to have a key.”

“For emergencies.”

She adjusted the laundry basket.

“I needed your mixer.”

“That wasn’t an emergency.”

“I was going to return it.”

“You entered my house without permission.”

Her cheeks flushed.

“You weren’t answering.”

“If I don’t answer, Rachel, that does not become permission.”

She looked past me toward the laundry room.

“Well, since I’m here, can I run these through your big washer?”

“No.”

Her eyes widened.

“No?”

“No.”

“You’re seriously doing this because of some dishes?”

I looked at her calmly.

“This is