There was no performance in it.
No self-punishment.
Only understanding.
“This year,” he said, “I’m thankful Mom taught us that loving somebody means leaving room for their choices.”
Rebecca raised her glass.
“To Maggie.”
Linda raised hers.
“To boundaries.”
Jack looked confused.
“To turkey.”
Emily shouted, “To Hawaii!”
Everyone laughed.
Even me.
Especially me.
After dinner, the children went inside to choose a movie.
Rebecca followed with plates.
Daniel remained on the patio beside me.
“You know,” he said, “we could actually go to Hawaii together someday.”
I looked at him.
“Are you inviting me?”
“Yes.”
“Or telling me?”
He smiled.
“Inviting.”
“Then I’ll think about it.”
He shook his head.
“You enjoy saying that now.”
“I do.”
We stood beside each other as the sun disappeared behind the desert mountains.
My life had not become smaller at seventy-three.
It had become mine again.
I had lost an old arrangement.
