I tried to stay useful\u2014picked up the twins from daycare when they were sick, stayed overnight when they had deadlines\u2014but slowly the invitations thinned. They forgot to loop me in on Clara\u2019s birthday plans one year. Another time, they changed the location of a family picnic and told me afterward it had slipped their minds. At first I believed them. Families get busy, I told myself. But the trip to Torch Lake wasn\u2019t a missed email. It was a choice.<\/p>\n
Later, outside the post office, I ran into Mara. She wore a floppy straw hat and carried a bouquet of sunflowers, always looking like she\u2019d stepped out of a gardening catalog. We exchanged pleasantries\u2014weather, tomatoes, the construction on Oak Street. I kept my voice calm and careful. I didn\u2019t want pity; I just needed stamps.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, by the way,\u201d she said as I turned to go, \u201cI saw Nolan and the kids posted pictures from Torch Lake. That place looks incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d I said. \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIvette told us it was just going to be them and the kids this year. Quiet bonding, no extended family. I get it. Honestly, these days, everyone needs space.\u201d<\/p>\n
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