Chapter 17 - Sophie's Birthday
Sophie's second birthday was held in Evelyn's backyard.
There were balloons.
Too much cake.
Thomas bought an absurdly large stuffed elephant.
Lily complained.
Sophie adored it.
Bradley attended for one supervised hour under the current arrangement.
He brought a wooden music box.
He did not stay longer than permitted.
He did not argue.
When he left, Lily felt something unexpected.
Peace.
Not because everything had been repaired.
Some things never would be.
Peace came because the day no longer revolved around him.
After sunset, Evelyn carried out the final cake.
Sophie shoved both hands into it.
Everyone laughed.
Lily looked around.
Friends.
Family.
People she had chosen.
Nobody documenting mistakes.
Nobody measuring her worth.
Nobody waiting for her to fail.
Evelyn stood beside her.
"What?"
Lily realized she was crying.
"Nothing."
"Those don't look like nothing tears."
Lily smiled.
"I was just thinking about her first week."
Evelyn squeezed her hand.
"So was I."
They watched Sophie destroy what remained of the cake.
Then Lily whispered:
"She'll never remember that nursery."
"No."
"But I will."
Evelyn looked at her.
"Maybe that's okay."
May you like
Lily nodded.
Because remembering no longer meant living there.
