I spent 6 hours cooking Thanksgiving dinner. At 7 pm, my son arrived with 6 guests from my daughter-in-law’s family. They sat down like they owned my home. My DIL said, “Would you mind eating in the kitchen, Dad?” I just smiled and walked into the kitchen… what I did next had everyone screaming. – usnews

Trey was already seated looking at his phone.

I carried the ham platter out from the kitchen and set it in the center of the table.

Connie said it smelled wonderful in the tone people use when they are complimenting someone they do not plan to thank.

Drew was reaching for the bread before I had set the platter down.

I pulled out the chair beside Trey and began to sit.

“Oh, Dad.”

Candace’s voice came from across the table, warm and light, the voice she used when she wanted something to sound like a courtesy.

She was smiling, her head tilted slightly to one side.

“Would you mind eating in here tonight? Stuart really needs the extra elbow room at the head, and Drew needs this seat.”

A small laugh.

“You know how it gets. We’re just a little snug. You understand?”

The table had 10 chairs.

I had counted them that morning.