They told me the flight was on the 13th. My son’s family gave me the wrong flight date so I’d miss the trip to Michigan. I went to the airport—alone—only to find out my son’s whole family had already gone to Torch Lake without me. When I called from the airport, my daughter-in-law laughed: ‘Oh, sweetie, we’re already at Torch Lake. Why didn’t you come yesterday?’ I went home and said nothing. I didn’t argue, I didn’t beg. I locked one bank account, rewrote my will… And when they landed back home

The hum of travelers and rolling suitcases filled the terminal at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. I stood still, ticket in hand, peering up at the departure board. Grand Rapids to Cherry Capital: on time. Gate C6. I should have felt that familiar flutter—the kind that comes before a week of laughter, grandchildren’s hugs, lakeside mornings. Instead, my stomach churned with something heavier.

I dialed Nolan first. No answer. Then I called Ivette. She picked up on the third ring, her voice bubbling with cheer.

“Oh, sweetie,” she said, a soft laugh under the words. “We’re already here at the cabin. Why didn’t you come yesterday?”