Ellie appeared in the dining room archway on cue, bouncing on her toes, cheeks flushed with pride. “Hi, Grandma! Hi, Grandpa! Come see the table. I made the name cards myself!” She held one up as evidence, the purple glitter catching the overhead light.
My mother examined it. “Oh,” she said. “How… creative.”
Ellie didn’t hear the edge in her tone, or continue reading …
