The Walkie-Talkie That Exposed Everything I Gave Away

Working too hard again?”

Lila set the cake down. “We should really think about getting you some help. Maybe a cleaning lady?”

I poured coffee with steady, controlled hands, though inside I felt something tightening.

“That’s thoughtful.”

Max ran over, holding a flower and a picture he’d drawn, nearly tripping in excitement. “Grandmaaa! I made you a picture!

And this is for you.”

Three stick figures held hands—him, me, and what looked like a dog drawn with messy joy. “That’s you, me, and Rover!” he said proudly. “We don’t have a dog, honey,” Lila corrected quickly.