Chapter 1

"Your parents will still be there next month. Melissa can't get her hotel money back."

My husband canceled my daughter's and my trip home and used the refund toward his sister's vacation flights. That is his explanation.

We haven't been home in five years, but apparently we can wait again because his sister cannot afford to lose money.

Half an hour earlier, I'm checking our arrival time for Friday, three days away. Dad's message is open beside my travel notebook.

[Friday, 4:15? I'll borrow Pete's car. More room for your bags.]

I underline the time and open the booking. Both names are there, Elise Ward and Sophie Ward. Beside each is the same word.

[Canceled.]

I carry the laptop into the living room. Daniel is showing his sister a resort on his tablet while my mother-in-law, Ruth, folds children's swimsuits into Melissa's open bag.

"Why are our tickets canceled?"

My voice comes out louder than I intend.

Daniel frowns.

"I meant to tell you."

"Tell me what?"

"Melissa couldn't manage flights for all four of them. I used the refund toward theirs."

Melissa smooths a swimsuit across her knee.

"The hotel was already paid for. We would have lost that too."

I stare at Daniel.

"You used our money?"

"It went back to the joint card. I'll replace it."

I saved for those tickets from my travel-consulting fees. Between bills and helping Sophie through her first year of college, it took eleven months.

"Put the tickets back! Dad is already arranging to collect us."

"Elise, her kids only have this week. Your parents aren't going anywhere."

He says it without even lowering the tablet.

I turn my notebook toward him. Under three crossed-out dates are Mom's market hours and one reminder.

[Bring Dad's book.]

"We haven't been home in five years."

"And you'll go," he says impatiently. "Stop being selfish. Pick another week."

Ruth pushes sandals into the bag.

"You're good at finding flights. Just arrange it again."

My face burns.

Nobody has even asked whether Sophie can change her dates.

I take my laptop to the table and search for replacement seats.

Daniel follows and glances at the fares.

"Those prices are ridiculous."

"You should have thought of that before canceling."

Melissa comes over.

"If you insist, I can stay home. I'll explain to the boys that their aunt needs the money back."

My hands stop over the keyboard.

"I need the trip I paid for!"

"Lower your voice!"

Ruth snaps.

"The children are upstairs."

I find a flight with two seats left.

Daniel pushes down the screen, and I catch the edge.

"Don't."

"We're not paying twice because you're angry."

"Then use your own money for Melissa."

His hand closes around my upper arm and yanks me out of the chair.

My foot catches the leg, and I stumble sideways into the table.

Pain shoots beneath my ribs.

I brace myself against the wood, still trying to breathe when Daniel looks at the laptop.

"Did you pay?"

I slowly lift my head.

I can barely stand straight, and he only cares about the tickets.

"Don't touch me again!"

Footsteps stop on the stairs.

Sophie stands there holding her charger, looking from the crooked chair to my arm.

"Mom?"

Daniel sighs.

"We're having a disagreement."

I close the laptop myself.

"Get your overnight things."

Sophie does not ask why.

She takes the computer while I put my travel notebook into my bag and call Beth.

"Walk out, then!"

Daniel calls after us.

"Don't expect everyone to run after you!"

At Beth's, I hold an ice pack against my hip when my phone vibrates.

Melissa.

[Friday pickup at six. Please come early enough to help load the bags. Daniel said you're free now.]