Ellen noticed a light in the next room. Nigel and Ralphie were probably looking for some dinner. She felt bad getting home late each night this week.

Nigel was making something in the kitchen, and Ralphie was setting the table! She couldn't remember when they last ate together as a family.

“Hey, Mom!” Ralphie said as he put down a stack of dishes.

“What's this?” Ellen asked.

“We’re making dinner for you.”

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“You take such good care of us, we thought we would do the same for you,” Nigel said.

Ellen stood in stunned silence.

“Have a seat, Mom.” Ralphie urged her in the direction of the dinner table.

“Smells great! What's for dinner?” Ellen asked.

“Tuna Surprise,” Nigel said cheerily.

About halfway through dinner, Ellen had to say what was on her mind.

“What's the special occasion?”

“Nothing special. We thought you could use a break, and with Ralphie going with Dad this weekend, we thought it would be cool if we had dinner as a family.”

It sounded innocent enough, but Ellen knew her son better than that! She was sure he was up to something, but couldn't figure out what yet.

After dinner, they all watched some television. Ellen couldn't think of a better evening she had had in a long time.