“My house, my rules,” my daughter-in-law said as she took back the spare key, expecting me to stay with the children while she and my son went away for the weekend.

him I was glad they’d a plan. It seemed to surprise him that I could care about the problem without taking over.

Five months after leaving their house, I booked the flight I’d considered for years. I arranged to lease my condo, packed one large suitcase, and went to Sanur. I hadn’t won an argument and received a vacation as a prize. I’d put money aside, made practical arrangements, and chosen to spend time somewhere I’d wanted to see.

The first day felt strange. My watch still seemed to expect