I took a breath, forced a smile, and said calmly, “Mom, her teacher said she had an upset stomach at school today. Let’s make something light for dinner instead.”
The moment the words left my mouth, my daughter’s mood shifted. She wailed dramatically, “Daddy’s lying! He said I’m a waste of money and don’t deserve good food! He said he’s going to break my legs and cut out my tongue!”
As she spoke, she burst into terrified sobs and buried her face in her Grandma’s arms.
My father-in-law, who had been reading the newspaper nearby, looked up and snapped, “Your dad quit his job to take care of you. Don’t make up such nonsense, you ungrateful little brat!”
Terrified, she clung even tighter to Grandma’s neck. “I’m not lying, Grandma! I don’t wanna be kidnapped! Please, save me!”
Grandma stroked her head gently, her face full of love. “Don’t worry, baby. Grandma’s here. No one’s gonna hurt you.”
She turned to her husband and scolded softly, “She’s just a kid. Don’t take it to heart.”
Then, looking at me, she said, “No Italian Tripe Soup, then. You go buy some groceries instead.”
Just as I was about to agree, I caught the satisfied smile flickering on my daughter’s face.