I called Mom while I was shopping and asked, “Should I bring chocolate cake or apple pie for Christmas?” – Welcome

” she finally said.

I stared at the apple pie.

“What do you mean, you did Christmas yesterday?”

“Everyone was available last night, so we decided to have dinner and exchange presents then.”

Her voice had that careful softness she used whenever she wanted something unpleasant to sound perfectly reasonable.

I looked at the clock above the bakery counter.

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