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.”

she loved.

Then I nodded.

I didn’t ask why.

I didn’t argue.

I didn’t beg her to reconsider.

I turned around.

The cake shifted inside its box as I tightened my grip and walked back through the freezing rain toward my car.

I got into the driver’s seat and sat there for a couple of minutes.

The heater was blowing warm air against my hands, but the cold feeling inside me had nothing to do with the weather.

Then my phone vibrated.

Melanie.

Her message was short.

“Don’t take it