Vanessa pushed her chair back slightly and turned to her kids. “Emma, Ethan, how’s the food?”

Ethan, with his mouth full of bread, gave her a thumbs up, while Emma nodded enthusiastically. “Grandma’s food is the best!” she declared, grinning at their grandmother, who beamed with pride.

Vanessa chuckled softly, shaking her head. The warmth in the room was almost enough to make her forget her troubles. Almost.

Her mother sat down, smoothing her apron as she did. “Vanessa, are you staying long this time?”

Vanessa hesitated, her fork hovering over her plate. “No. I have a lot things to take care of." She replied with a small sigh.

Her...