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

father in his sweater vest, my mother in a pearl headband, my sister Chloe in a red dress that looked like it had been chosen for Instagram, not comfort.

The table was set. The tree was lit. The party wasn’t canceled.

I watched my mother lift her glass.

“To family,” she said brightly.

Chloe leaned in, smiling wickedly. “To family… and to peace.”

My father continue reading …