“I know.”
“You knew?” he shouted. “Where are you? And where are the kids?”
“We’re standing in the lobby with nowhere to stay!”
“We’re on vacation.”
“Don’t play games with me! Where are we supposed to sleep tonight?”
I looked through the window at my children.
They were laughing together over a board game the resort had left in the room.
“I guess you’ll have to figure it out,” I said quietly. “After all, you’re the one who wanted a vacation without us.”
“We’re on vacation.”
Watching them laugh, I realized something that had been missing for years.
I wasn’t taking care of everyone else.
I was finally taking care of us.
Then I wished him a pleasant evening.
I ended the call, and switched my phone to silent.
For the first time in twelve years, his problems weren’t mine to solve.
I was finally taking care of us.
As I slipped inside to join my kids, I realized something.
Roger had been right about one thing.
I’d be just fine.