Chapter 9 - The Birthday
The following year, Melissa's birthday arrived.
I almost didn't remember.
Then she called.
“Claire?”
“Yes?”
“Would you come?”
I knew what she meant.
“To your birthday?”
“Yes.”
I looked at the calendar.
The date made my chest tighten.
It was the same day my father had once chosen over my children's funeral.
I almost said no.
Then I remembered something Ethan used to tell me.
“Don't let other people's worst moments decide who you become.”
So I went.
Melissa had planned a small dinner.
No huge party.
No champagne.
No elaborate decorations.
Just family.
She stood when I arrived.
“I didn't know if you'd come.”
“I almost didn't.”
She nodded.
“I understand.”
We hugged.
Then she whispered:
“I wish they were here.”
I closed my eyes.
“So do I.”
That night, Melissa blew out her candles.
But before she did, she looked at me.
“I don't want to make a wish for myself.”
“What do you want to wish for?”
She smiled through tears.
“For Lily and Noah.”
I cried.
Then she blew out the candles.
For the first time, that birthday didn't hurt.
May you like
It became something else.
A reminder that one person's selfishness didn't have to define everyone forever.
