The clerk froze.
My mother stared at her phone.
Aunt Monica looked over Grandma’s shoulder.
My cousins studied the floor.
No one looked surprised.
That was how I knew.
Grandma’s fingers tightened around the suitcase handle.
Her shoulders trembled once, but she forced a small smile.
“It’s all right,” she whispered. “I don’t want anyone missing the flight because of me.”
Aunt Monica finally looked at her.
“Please don’t make this dramatic, Mom. We already told you Dad forgot the booking.”
Grandma had just paid for their entire vacation, and my aunt was scolding her for being abandoned.
My father reached for my carry-on.
“Come on. Security will take forever.”
I pulled it away.
“I’m staying with Grandma.”
His face changed immediately.
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Then book her a seat.”
“There aren’t any left.”
The airline clerk quietly said, “There are eleven available seats on the flight.”
My father’s jaw tightened.
Aunt Monica stepped closer and lowered her voice.
“Your grandmother is tired. Take her home and meet us in Rome tomorrow.”
But she would not meet my eyes.
I picked up Grandma’s green suitcase and led her away.
Behind us, nobody called her name.
