I come from a large family that insists on a rowdy bi-annual family reunion. One year, my brother decided to hold the reunion at his gorgeous new home. Theoretically, it sounded perfect. There was a large yard, swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and we were meeting during a mild weather month so tent camping on the lawn. And when the day came, forty men, women, and children arrived all at once, with suitcases and cars and tents and toys.

Forty people. One home. An entire week.

Right around day 3, I opened the pantry closet and found my sister-in-law hiding inside. Desperate for a minute of peace, she’d simply stepped inside a dark food pantry and stayed there for a still undisclosed amount of time.