Chapter 6 - The Birthday
Four days later my birthday arrived, and nobody in my family remembered it that morning. Not Renee, not Mom, not Dad. Grandma Opal sent a cake emoji. Happy birthday sweetheart. Hope everyone gives you a peaceful day. The irony almost made me laugh out loud.
At work, my team surprised me with cupcakes and my manager told me to leave early. I booked a table at my favorite restaurant, put on a navy dress I hadn't worn in months, and drove downtown without telling anyone where I was going.
Then Renee called. "Where are you? My kids are hungry."
I listened. And for the first time, I didn't rush to fix anything.
"They're your children," I said quietly.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means you're home. So make dinner."
She went silent. Then, the familiar line: "Wow. Enjoy your evening while your family struggles."
May you like
The call ended. I looked at the candle beside my plate and smiled — not because anything was funny, but because for the first time in months, I knew exactly what I was going to do next.
I finished my dinner. Paid the check. And instead of driving home, I drove back to my office.
