I arrived around noon.
The ocean was unusually calm.
I unlocked the door.
And froze.
There were suitcases in the hallway.
Several pairs of children’s shoes were scattered near the entrance.
A pink backpack sat on the
sofa.
I walked farther inside.
The refrigerator was completely empty.
Except for one bottle of wine.
Then I heard laughter upstairs.
My heart began pounding.
I walked toward the staircase.
“Hello?”
Silence.
Then footsteps.
Melissa appeared.
She stopped when she saw me.
For several seconds, neither of us spoke.
Then she smiled.
“Oh.”
I looked at her.
“What are you doing here?”
She blinked.
“This is your house.”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“You told me you were coming Thursday.”
She smiled again.
“I assumed you’d have everything ready.”
I looked around.
“You broke into my house?”
Her smile disappeared.
“Don’t be dramatic.”
“Did you have a key?”
She shrugged.
“Your son gave me one.”
I slowly turned toward the living room.
My son stood there.
Behind him were my grandchildren and Melissa’s mother.
Everyone looked uncomfortable.
I couldn’t believe it.
“You brought your mother?”
Melissa nodded.
“She needed a break too.”
I
looked at my son.
“You gave her my key?”
He didn’t answer.
I felt something inside me crack.
Not anger.
Something deeper.
Disappointment.
I looked at Melissa.
“You’re leaving.”
She laughed.
“What?”
“I said you’re leaving.”
“Mom, come on,” my son said.
“No.”
“But we’ve already unpacked.”
“Then pack again.”
Melissa’s face turned red.
“You can’t seriously throw your grandchildren out.”
“I am not throwing my grandchildren out.”
I looked at the children.
“I love you.”
Then I looked back at Melissa.
“But this is my home.”
She crossed her arms.
“We’re family.”
“Yes.”
“And family shares.”
I nodded.
“Family also asks.”
She stared at me.
I continued.
“You didn’t ask.”
She looked at my son.
“Say something.”
He finally stepped forward.
“Mom, please.”
I shook my head.
“No.”
“It’s just a few days.”
“No.”
“Why are you doing this?”
I looked at him.
“Because I’ve been saying yes for
