I grabbed my keys, got in the car… and drove.

To Target.

But not for food.

I picked up a scented candle, a cute new throw pillow, and a pair of fuzzy socks. Then I swung by the Starbucks inside, ordered a grande latte, and took my sweet time browsing the book aisle. I even tried on a new shade of lipstick just for fun.

Two hours later, I texted him:
“Hope you’re surviving. Can’t wait to see how dessert turns out! ”

When I finally strolled back in, bags in hand, his eyes were wide and the house was in chaos — toys everywhere, kids screaming, his mother asking where the wine was, and his dad eyeing the empty dinner table.

He rushed over, panicked.
“Where have you been?!”

I smiled sweetly.
“Just a little me-time. You said it was no big deal — figured you had it all under control.”

He never sprang a surprise family gathering on me again.