Ruth arrived with a pie nobody needed and insisted there was always room for another.

We laughed.

We argued about whether photographs should hang on the tree in order of age.

Emma told the story of a picture she had taken at the library, while Oliver pointed out that his paper stars were actually constellations and should be treated with scientific respect.

The room felt alive in a way I had missed.

After the dishes were cleared, Daniel asked for everyone’s attention.

He said he wanted to acknowledge that a year earlier he’d treated me in a way no mother should be treated.