Comes with a price

I worked on a business trip for a month and barely spent time with my husband and child.

With a holiday weekend approaching, I signed the whole family up for a tour group.

I figured it would be a chance for everyone to unwind.

When I brought it up at the dinner table, my mother-in-law Cecilia's first words weren't praise for my thoughtfulness. She scolded me instead.

"You're just a reckless spender," she said. "Always wasting money. Wouldn't it be better to stay home? There'll be so many people during the holiday. Are you trying to crush an old woman like me?"

Her sharp, biting words spilled out. They punctured my eager excitement.

I forced a smile and explained, "Cecilia, I've arranged the itinerary and hotel already. You don't need to worry. Sure, it'll be crowded, but it's the only time Geoffrey and I can take Rex out to have fun."

When she heard her precious son and grandson mentioned, Cecilia softened a bit. "You've got a slick tongue," she said. "What if something happens to my frail body? You know how useless you are. You're counting on me to look after the kid."

Hearing her concerns, I offered a suggestion, "Or maybe, Cecilia, you could stay home and rest for a few days. It'd be peaceful. We could hire a nanny to check on you."