A week before Christmas, my brother Ryan and his wife, Lindsey, unexpectedly stayed at our house due to heating issues. Initially, things were fine, but Lindsey’s behavior became increasingly annoying, especially when she threw away my mother’s ashes from the mantel. I was furious, but had to wait until Christmas was over to address it. That night,

a plumbing disaster in their room seemed like karma for her actions.On Christmas Day, my brother apologized, and though I considered kicking them out, I decided Lindsey’s humiliation was punishment enough. By the end of the night, I felt a strange satisfaction, knowing that, despite everything, Mom’s spirit was with us.