Came home for the holidays, but my mom opened the door and said, “You weren’t invited — this is for family only.” I turned around without a word; minutes later, my sister texted, “Don’t take it personally — you know how you are.”

the way, I stopped at Mom’s favorite bakery and picked up an almond custard cake.

She always claimed she didn’t really like it.

She also somehow managed to eat most of it every year.

During the drive, I kept imagining how the evening might go.

I would walk inside smiling.

Nobody would bring up old arguments.

I wouldn’t react to any passive-aggressive comments.

For once, perhaps we could simply behave like a normal family.

By the time I arrived, freezing rain had started falling.

My coat was damp around the