My mother-in-law told me to get up at 4 a.m. to cook Thanksgiving dinner for her 30 guests. My husband added, “This time, remember to make everything really perfect!” I smiled and replied, “Of course.” At 3 a.m., I took my suitcase to the airport. – usnews 0/2

“Yes, well, there have been some complications.”

“What kind of complications?”

The question came from Hudson’s cousin Julie, who had driven three hours with her family and was beginning to look annoyed.

Hudson and Vivien exchanged glances. Neither of them wanted to be the one to explain that the woman they’d all taken for granted had simply vanished, leaving them helpless.

“Isabella had to leave town suddenly,” Hudson said finally. “Family emergency.”

The room fell silent as thirty-two people processed this information.

“She left today?” This from Ruby’s sister, who, unlike Ruby, had made the guest list.

“What kind of emergency happens at 4:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning?”

Hudson didn’t have an answer.

Uncle Raymond cleared his throat.

“Well, what’s the plan for dinner then?”

All eyes turned to Hudson and Vivien. Thirty-two people who had made no backup plans, brought no substantial food contributions, and arranged their entire day around a meal that had been promised to them.