“Do they?”
“Of course. Max was just asking about you.”
“Really? What did he ask?”
Another pause.
“Well, you know kids. They ask things.”
“I do know kids, Benjamin. I raised three before they disappeared on me.”
“The kids miss you.”
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***
Carla sent a text full of hearts, then called.
“Mom, we should all get together,” she said. “To celebrate you.”
***
Within three days, my children had planned a Sunday visit.
I knew why they were coming. I’m old, not stupid. But when Denise texted, “I can’t wait to hug you, Mom,” my heart lifted anyway, foolish as a balloon.
So I cooked.
I pulled out Benjamin’s old roasting pan, Carla’s favorite serving bowl, and the lemon zester Denise once begged me to buy because “store-bought lemon frosting tastes sad.”
“Mom, we should all get together.”
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Marlene from church stopped by with folding chairs and found me peeling potatoes.
“Debbie,” she said. “You’re making enough food for a wedding. What’s going on?”
“I have eight grandchildren on the way.”
“You also only have one stomach if they don’t show.”
I pointed the peeler at her. “Don’t bring logic into my kitchen.”
She smiled, then softened. “Are you sure about this?”
“No, Marlene. Not at all.”
“Don’t bring logic into my kitchen.”
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“Debbie…”
I wiped my hands on my apron. “That’s the only honest answer I have.”
***
By five, my house was full.
Denise swept in wearing perfume strong enough to bless the hallway. She hugged me hard, but her eyes slipped past me toward the living room.
Carla kissed my cheek and cried. “I’ve missed this house so much.”
“You knew where it was,” I said gently.
Ben handed me grocery-store flowers with the discount sticker still on.
“That’s the only honest answer I have.”
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“For you, Ma.”
“Thank you, sweetie.”
The grandkids came in a wave of height, phones, and awkward smiles. Paige snapped a selfie before asking how I was. Max nodded like we were neighbors.
Nara and Willow whispered near the stairs. Josiah and Joanna hid behind Carla like they were afraid of me.
Then Lily stepped forward and hugged me like she meant it.
“Happy late birthday, Grandma,” she whispered.
My throat tightened. “Thank you, my darling girl.”
Max nodded like we were neighbors.
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For one hour, I let myself believe the house was full because they missed me.
Then Denise set down her fork. She had always been good at sounding concerned when she was really taking charge.
“Mom, have you talked to a financial advisor about the money?”
“And there it is,” I said.
She blinked. “What?”
“Nothing. And yes, of course, I have.”
