The door cracked open maybe six inches. Mom’s face appeared in the gap, and something about her expression made my stomach drop. She wasn’t smiling. Not really. Her lips curved up, but her eyes were cold, calculating.

“Oh dear,” her voice dripped with false surprise. “We forgot to text you. You’re not needed. It’s only for close family members.”

The words didn’t make sense at first. I actually laughed, thinking she was kidding. “Mom, what? I drove six hours. The kids are exhausted and hungry.”