I turned away because I was crying too.
This time there was no fake envelope.
No altered result.
No hidden photograph.
No secret taped beneath anything.
Just my daughter holding the little boy she had fought so hard to meet.
Later, when everyone had gone and the hospital room was quiet, I asked her something.
“Do you remember the cake?”
She gave me a tired smile.
“Hard to forget.”
“I knew something was wrong when I saw your face.”
“I know.”
“I wish I had known sooner.”Explore Special Tutors
“Mom.”
She reached for my hand.
“You couldn’t have.”
I looked at my grandson.
“I wanted that day to be perfect for you.”
“So did I.”
She was quiet for a moment.
“Maybe that’s why I ignored the message until after the party.”
“What do you mean?”
“I wanted one perfect afternoon.”
She looked down at her son.
