My parents texted me, “The Christmas party has been canceled. Don’t come, my love.” They had no idea I was standing right outside the door, watching them and my sister raise a glass and say, “Merry Christmas—it’s so much better without So

window. “Marlene! What a surprise!”

My aunt didn’t smile much. She shook snow off her boots and stepped into the center of the living room like she owned the space.

“I’m not staying,” she said. “I’m here to deliver something.”
My father laughed awkwardly. “Deliver what? It’s Christmas.”

Marlene lifted the folder. “A letter from Dad,” she said. “Walter continue reading …