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

because Dad had mentioned needing them for his thermostat.

At checkout, the cashier smiled.

“Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas.”

Somehow, my voice sounded normal.

Outside, the Ohio sky was a hard winter gray.

I loaded the groceries into my car and sat behind the steering wheel without starting the engine.

My parents’ wrapped gifts were in the trunk.

Mom’s continue reading …