My mother-in-law pointed at the door during New Year’s dinner and snapped, **“If you don’t like my rules, get out!”** – Welcome

great.”

“I’m terrified.”

“Also normal.”

“I haven’t worked in months.”

“You’ve done the job before.”

“I know. I keep reminding myself.”

Laya appeared carrying a school folder.

“Still hate fractions?” I asked.

“Now we have decimals.”

“Worse?”

“Much.”

Monica rolled her eyes.

“Everything is a crisis when you’re nine.”

“Correct,” Laya said.

Three weeks later, Monica continue reading …