Bonney, at 54, was making her father bacon and eggs, coffee, and toast. Patty, her older sister, had given up on reading a Barbara Kingsolver novel, one of her favorite authors. Somehow she had missed reading it yet. Such a pleasure, to have a new book from a favorite author to read. Perfect for vacation. Amelia, third generation, was reading a magazine, curled up on the couch in her pajamas and a sweater, with her fingers in her mouth, as her mother had been before she stopped reading. It was cool in the condo, although the sun was streaming in beautifully. A perfect day, with the view of the beach in the distance.

"I don't know why you are waiting on me hand and foot," said Dad...