Love was not weakness.
The problem had never been loving my family.
The problem was using love to erase every boundary.
I texted Michael.
I have gifts for the kids. I can drop them by at 10 if that’s okay. I won’t stay.
His reply came twenty minutes later.
Fine.
One word.
I wrapped a scarf around my neck and drove over.
Michael opened the door.
He looked tired.
Behind him I could hear cartoons and children arguing.
“Merry Christmas.”
He stepped aside.
“Come in.”
“I said I wouldn’t stay.”
“The kids will want to see you.”
My heart softened.
Then I noticed his expression.
Not warm.
Not hostile.
Exhausted.
“Okay. Ten minutes.”
Owen saw me first.
“Grandma!”
He ran into my arms.
Lily followed.
Within thirty seconds the living room floor was covered in paper.
For ten minutes I forgot everything.
Owen loved the science kit.
Lily put on the purple sweater immediately even though it was nearly seventy degrees inside.
Then Jennifer entered.
She wore a cream dress and earrings I had given her two Christmases earlier.
“Barbara.”
“Jennifer.”
She looked toward the gifts.
“Thank you for bringing those.”
“Of course.”
Michael glanced at the clock.
“We need to leave soon.”
