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.

 

—We, my dear, include childcare in the price of the trip.

 

I laughed along with her. Her words hit home so perfectly that I couldn’t stop smiling for a long time.

 

“Where are the parents?” he asked.

 

—He’s resting. In another building.

 

Elena looked at me intently but said nothing. She simply handed me a bottle of cold water.

 

That night, after returning to my room, I stayed in the shower for a long time so that the children wouldn’t hear me.