When the “Boring” Grandma Finally Ghosts Her Own Family and Sets Herself Free

“Best! Grandma! Ever!” Sophie shrieked, hugging Gigi’s legs.

I stood by the grill, smoke in my eyes, forcing a smile. It’s okay, I told myself. It’s the excitement. This is normal.

But later, the house quieted down. Gigi was in the living room showing the kids a video. I was in the kitchen, scraping cake plates and loading the dishwasher—my usual station.

I heard Sophie’s voice drift in from the hallway.

“I wish Gigi lived here,” she said.