I found my daughter-in-law and grandchildren soaked in the rain 0utside my son’s house. Claire grabbed my arm and s0bbed, “He threw us out… his mistress is inside wearing my robe.”

I pulled my phone from my purse and photographed Vanessa in Claire’s robe, Daniel beside her, and Claire’s luggage lying in the mud.

Daniel stopped smiling.

“What are you doing?”

“Remembering.”

Vanessa rolled her eyes. “This is pathetic.”

I faced her. “No. Pathetic is moving into a house you think belongs to a man who doesn’t own it.”

For the first time, Daniel appeared unsure.

“Mom…”

I lifted a hand.

“Not tonight.”