My sister announced in the family group chat that I was officially banned from the reunion and she made it clear no one was to tell me where it would be. I didn’t argue. I didn’t reply. I simply opened the location pin… and laughed so hard I had to cover my mouth.

I sat in my apartment for an hour in total shock. I eventually figured out that she must have bullied a junior employee at my property management company into giving her a “direct booking.” She probably pretended to be my representative and used her “queen of the world” voice to bypass the rules.

Instead of calling the police right then, I decided to let the scene play out. I wanted them to get comfortable. I wanted them to unpack their bags and pour their wine before I showed them exactly who was in charge.

Now, back in the present, I check the dashboard clock. 3:20 p.m. They have been inside for exactly twenty minutes. I watch as lights flick on in the upstairs windows. They are currently fighting over the best bedrooms.

My mother will take the master suite with the balcony. Monica will take the room with the best lighting. Jason will probably crash on the sofa near the big-screen TV. I can see them through the windows, moving around my living room like they’ve owned it for years.