I JUST GOT BACK FROM what was supposed to be a relaxing weekend with my parents. It wasn't, and that's the understatement of the century.
When I showed up on my parents' doorstep, my mother opened up. The second she saw me, her eyes opened wide and she immediately closed the door in my face. It only stayed closed for a short moment. When she opened it again, she said, “Poppy! What in heaven's name are you doing here?”
I couldn't understand the alarm in her voice, or why she would drag me into the house by my arm, but that's precisely what she did.
“Why did you come here?” she asked, her voice sharp and her eyes mean.
“For a visit!” I said. “Jeeze Louise, I shouldn't have to explain myself—I'm your daughter. I thought I was welcome here any time.”
My mom sighed and held her head
