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

”

Chloe’s voice rose. “You’re kicking us out!”

I shook my head. “No,” I said. “Grandpa did. I’m simply honoring his boundary.”

Marlene softened. “Sophia,” she said, “do you want to say anything else?”

I thought about it. About every canceled invitation, every “later,” every time I drove home with gifts and sat alone. About the way my mother could call continue reading …