I usually let it go because Glenn loved his sister and because family peace is often maintained by one person swallowing every reply that deserves to be spoken.
Glenn loved his sister.
***
Before we left, I gave Marie simple instructions.
Feed Musk twice a day.
Refresh his water.
Do not let him outside.
That was all.
I had not thought to add: Do not invite 40 people. Do not convert the pool into a landfill.
Before we left, I gave Marie simple instructions.
***
Glenn opened the security app. The footage began at 10:04 Saturday morning.
Marie unlocked our back door wearing a sun hat and carrying balloons.
Behind her came Tommy, her son, followed by three children holding inflatable animals.
Then came coolers.
Folding tables.
Gift bags.
Relatives.
Neighbors.
A man I had never seen before carrying a portable speaker large enough to alert ships.
Glenn opened the security app.
By noon, our backyard held a full birthday party.
