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

“What time should I start cooking?” I asked, though part of me already knew the answer would be unreasonable.

Vivien checked her expensive watch.

“Well, dinner should be served at 2 p.m. sharp. The Sanders prefer to eat early. I’d say you should start around 4:00 a.m. to be safe. Maybe 3:30 if you want everything to be perfect.”

“Four a.m.,” I repeated.

“Start cooking at four in the morning,” she said more firmly this time, handing me the guest list. “And make sure everything is perfect this time.”

Hudson looked up then, but only to add his own emphasis.

“Yeah, and make sure everything is perfect this time. The stuffing was a little dry last year.”

The stuffing that I’d made while simultaneously managing six other dishes while he watched football in the living room. The stuffing that everyone else had complimented. The stuffing that his mother had specifically requested I make again this year.