Caitlin was still in full flow. “You want me to have a boring life, like you. But I’m more like Granny. Adventurous and fearless. It’s in my DNA. I was born this way.”

In different circumstances Kathleen might have admired the clever, if manipulative, way Caitlin had shifted attention from herself.

DNA. Apparently this episode was now somehow her fault.

Kathleen had made a tactful exit at that point and escaped to her room to study her guidebook. Traveling was the perfect way to step out of one’s life, and right now she was ready to do that. She wished her daughter could do the same because her life didn’t seem a particularly pleasant place to be.

For the first time ever she was questioning that part of her that had wished Liza had been a little more rebellious. If Caitlin was an example of what rebellion looked like, she was glad she hadn’t had to handle it.

And now they were in the car and Kathleen couldn’t help but be aware that she was escaping, but Liza was returning to that toxic atmosphere.

Her daughter looked pale and tired, but resolute and determined as if she was in the midst of fighting an exhausting battle.

Whatever had happened to fun? Relaxation?

Kathleen sat a little straighter, her brain working hard. She hadn’t been the best mother in the world, but it was never too late to do better.

But how? How could she persuade her daughter to take time for herself? She hated it when people told her how to live her life, so she was hardly going to deliver a lecture or even offer advice. And they’d be at the airport soon, surrounded by strangers and noise and life at its most frenetic. Hardly the moment for a heart-to-heart, particularly for someone as averse to emotional conversations as her.

Sitting in stationary traffic, Liza drummed the wheel with her fingers and glanced at her. “Are you having second thoughts about this trip? Because you know that if something happens, you can call me and I’ll help.”

Kathleen felt an ache in her chest. Her daughter thought what she was doing was a bad idea, but she was still willing to help if something went wrong. Never mind that she was handling a crisis at home. It was so typical of Liza to put everyone’s needs in front of her own.

But people made sacrifices for those they loved. No one knew that better than her.

She pushed aside thoughts of herself, and not only because dwelling on the past was her least favorite thing. This wasn’t about her.

“I was thinking about you.” Go on, Kathleen. Say something deep and helpful. Acknowledge feelings.

“It’s been a pretty stressful time.” Liza turned her attention back to the road. “Hopefully the holidays will calm everything down and I’ll be able to relax. I can’t wait.”