My Parents Went to Aspen for Christmas Without Me—So I Rehomed the Dog and Kept the Paperwork

is extortion.”

“This is accountability,” I corrected. “Something you’ve successfully avoided your entire life.”

Aunt Patricia moved to stand beside me. “I’ll walk you out, Charlotte.”

“Patricia, if you leave with her—” my mother’s voice held a warning.

“You’ll what, Linda?” Patricia’s smile was tired but genuine. “Cut me out of the family? I think I’ll continue reading …