Grandma accepted the apology but did not pretend she hadn’t been hurt.

“I don’t mind doing things for family,” she said.

“I just need to know what people expect.

My pension doesn’t stretch the way it used to.”

Patricia reached for her handbag, but Grandma raised a palm.

“My granddaughter already paid me,” she said.

“Please don’t turn this into a bidding war.”

Both women laughed softly, and I felt the room grow lighter.