I Thought She Did “Nothing” All Day — Then a Single Box Proved Me Wrong

When Anna mentioned her high school reunion, I barely glanced up from my phone.

She stood at the kitchen counter, twisting her hair into that loose knot she always makes when she’s pretending something doesn’t matter — even though it clearly does.

Behind her, the usual chaos played out. One kid hopping on one foot, missing a shoe. Another groaning over math homework. The baby rhythmically smashing a spoon against the tray like it was percussion practice.

Our life.
Messy. Loud. Full.

“They’re having a ten-year reunion next month,” she said, trying for casual. “I was thinking about going.”

I gave a short laugh.