« I thought I’d take Lily and Noah to the park, » I offered gently. « They asked yesterday. »
She laughed, the sound thin and dismissive.
I swallowed the sting.
I had not come to argue.
I had come for my grandchildren.
That included making sure they lived in a safe, clean home.
So I cleaned the bathroom.
I packed the lunches.
I chopped vegetables for a dinner she barely touched.
All the while, Melissa lounged on the sofa, thumbs flying across her screen.
Occasionally, she called out another task.
« The closet needs organizing too. Everything’s a mess. »
« Of course, » I answered quietly.
By afternoon, little Lily wrapped both arms around my leg while I folded towels.
« Grandma, will you stay forever? » she whispered. « The house smells so nice now that you’re here. »
« I’ll stay as long as I can, sweetheart, » I told her, smoothing her hair.
