My daughter pulled the ribbon loose and lifted the lid, then peered inside.
There was no cake, frosting, or candles!
Just a note tucked beneath a plastic birthday topper. The words were printed in large black letters on white cardstock.
I could see Lila’s eyes moving across the words, searching for meaning. Then her smile disappeared.
For a moment, the entire yard seemed to freeze.
I leaned closer, and the note read: « You’re not one of us. Even your real parents didn’t want you. »
« Mom? » Lila whispered, her voice so small it almost got swallowed by the wind.
Then her smile disappeared.
I felt the world tilt!
Rage moved through me like fire, hot and absolute. But I also felt something else: clarity. Lila was looking at me, waiting to see how I would respond. Everyone was looking.
