My pregnant daughter-in-law told my son she needed “peace and quiet” and that I had to move out of the four-bedroom house my late husband and I had paid off years ago.

“I have more in the garage. I expect your keys on the kitchen counter by the thirty-first.”

David went pale.

“Mom, wait.”

“If you need help packing anything heavy, let me know.”

“Mom, she didn’t mean—”

“She meant exactly what she said.”

I looked at him.

“And I think it’s a wonderful idea. It’s time the two of you had your own place.”

Harper didn’t move.

I smiled.

“The peace and quiet will be lovely.”

For the next two days, I could hear arguments upstairs.

Not every word, but enough.