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.

 

“Good morning, Mom! What do you think? It’s wonderful, isn’t it?” my daughter asked enthusiastically.

 

I looked at her and then at the children, who had started arguing over a plastic bucket.

 

“Yes, it’s beautiful,” I replied.

 

They lay in hammocks for an hour, both wearing headphones. Then Anna announced they were going on a jeep tour.

 

“The children are too young, Mom. The journey would be too bumpy, and it’s terribly hot. Could you stay with them?”

He didn’t even wait for my answer.

 

That evening, they had booked a table for two at the a la carte restaurant. I found out by asking what time we were going for dinner.

 

“There are only tables for two,” Anna explained, not meeting my eyes. “We’ll have a quick dinner and be right back.”

 

I bathed the children, read them stories from my phone, and around nine in the evening I fell asleep with Marek in my arms.