The bus ride took twelve long hours. I imagined the look on Robert’s face when he opened the door and found me there, ready to celebrate with the rest of the family. I imagined Ethan running into my arms. I imagined everything except what actually happened.
When I arrived, the house was decorated in cheerful blue and silver. Laughter floated out through the windows. My heart warmed as I climbed the steps and rang the doorbell.
“Mom… what are you doing here?”
I froze. Before I could answer, Holly, my daughter-in-law, stepped forward. Her voice was sharp, her expression tense. She asked if he had actually invited me. When he explained that he had only mentioned the birthday, she became upset—a scene loud enough for everyone inside to hear.
“It’s either her or me,” she said.
In that moment, my son looked frightened of losing something—and it wasn’t me. I saw the decision in his eyes before he spoke.
