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Maybe she had spoken harshly because she was overwhelmed.
That explanation became harder to believe as the days continued.
At breakfast, Macy handed me napkins.
“Emma spilled juice.”
At the pool, she placed Noah beside me.
“He needs a nap in an hour.”
Before dinner, she texted:
“Keep them in your room until eight.”
Daniel was almost never around when she gave me those instructions.
One morning, he played golf. Another day, he handled work calls. One afternoon, he spent hours organizing a boat rental.
Whenever he returned, Macy became cheerful.
“Your mom and the kids are having so much fun,” she told him.
I loved my grandchildren.
That made objecting harder because I didn’t want them thinking they were burdens.
On the third day, Caleb asked why I never joined his parents for dinner.
“I eat with you.”
“I mean with Dad and Mom.”
“They need time together.”
He frowned.
“Mom said you like staying with us.”
“I do.”
“But do you like it every night?”
Before I could answer, Macy returned.
“Caleb, stop bothering Grandma.”
He looked at her.
“I’m not bothering her.”
Macy reached for his tablet.
He held on for a second, then released it.
“You’ve had enough screen time.”
That evening, Daniel found me outside my room washing sand from Noah’s shoes.
“Mom, why are you always with the kids?”
I looked up.