Sophie and Dylan appeared briefly, gave half-hearted waves, then disappeared upstairs. I should have noticed the lack of enthusiasm, but I wanted my daughter to have a good time with family.

“We’ll take great care of her,” Charlotte promised, already checking her phone as she spoke. “The girls are so excited.”

I kissed my daughter goodbye and reminded her to call if she needed anything. She was already kicking off her shoes, ready to dive into cousin time. The house smelled like expensive candles and looked like something from a home design magazine. Everything gleamed. Everything matched. I drove away feeling good about giving her this experience.