My daughter convinced me to go on vacation to the seaside: “All inclusive, Mom, you won’t have to do a thing.” I paid for the tickets myself. Upon arrival, I discovered I’d be staying with my grandchildren, while she and my son-in-law would be in a different building.

 

 

I didn’t realize how wrong I was.

 

The next morning Mark jumped onto my bed at ten minutes to six.

 

—Grandma, it’s daytime! Get up! I want pancakes!

 

I opened my eyes and glanced at the clock. It was dawn, indeed, but I longed to lie there in silence for at least another half hour.

 

 

—Marek, honey, let’s wait a moment.

—But I’m hungry!

 

A few minutes later, Sofia woke up and it became clear that I could no longer forget the peaceful morning.

 

By 6:30, we were already waiting outside the restaurant for it to open. Juice spilled on the tablecloth, Sofia refused to eat her eggs, and Mark only wanted chocolate pancakes.

 

I wiped the table with napkins, convinced my granddaughter to at least try a small piece of tortilla, and at the same time made sure my grandson didn’t run out the door.