I blink back a slight sting in my eyes as Aunt Maggie's words hang in the air between us. I hadn't realized just how much this year has meant to her too.
"Aunt Maggie..." I start, not really sure what to say. She waves me off gently, reaching over to refill our wine glasses.
"No need for any big emotional exchanges tonight, kiddo," she says lightly, handing me my glass with a wink. "We've still got a few more weeks to soak up all the quality niece-aunt time, so save the waterworks for later."
I can't help but chuckle a little, immensely grateful for her ability to diffuse any heavy moments with her humor and lightness. Aunt Maggie was definitely what I needed this year.
"You got it," I say, clinking my glass against hers. "No tears, just cheers."
She throws her head back with a cackle
