Chapter 54 - The Forgotten Birthday
Leo's birthday was approaching. Dorothy mentioned it offhandedly during a call, then stopped herself.
“Did Adrian not know?” I asked.
“He knows the date. Last year his gift arrived by courier. He wasn't there to see Leo open it.”
I didn't rush to tell Adrian how to fix this. A birthday isn't a test a person passes by purchasing the right present.
When Adrian called that evening, I asked whether he had plans.
“I've cleared the weekend,” he said. “Dorothy says Leo wants a train cake.”
“Then it should probably be a train cake.”
“He also wants Vanessa there.”
I waited for the objection.
“I said he could invite her,” Adrian continued. “It's his party.”
I felt some tight place in me loosen. No one had won anything by letting a child love two adults. The allowance should never have been a concession.
May you like
After the call, I bought a plain birthday card. I drew a crooked paper train inside and wrote only: Happy birthday, Leo. Keep choosing good stories. —Claire.
I gave it to Dorothy, not Adrian. Some gifts are meant for their recipients, not for the adults keeping score.
