They tumbled into the house, laughing and unwrapping their scarves and pulling off their gloves as they went.

“Carmelita, we’re home!” Jennifer called. Bonnie’s nose twitched.

Is that…gingerbread cookies? Oh God, I’ve died and gone to heaven!

They wandered through the house, looking for Carmelita, and finally found her in the living room, surrounded by boxes, Christmas music playing softly in the background. She wiped quickly at her face and Bonnie realized that she’d been crying.

“Mis hijos, how was your trip?” she asked, quickly standing up and brushing at her skirt. Her perfectly clean skirt.

What is she so upset about? Bonnie’s heart hurt at the idea of this sweet woman enduring sadness of any kind.

&...

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