cnu-At my fortieth birthday party, my sister swung a baseball bat into…

to parent other people’s children, “let Brooklyn ride it. Don’t be selfish on your mother’s birthday.”

Emma’s cheeks flushed, but she did not move.

I crossed the yard before Derek could leave the grill.

“Van, she saved for that bike. She’s allowed to say no.”

Vanessa’s smile tightened. “I didn’t realize we were teaching children to hoard things.”

“We’re continue reading …