Chapter 21 - Grace’s First Birthday
We did not throw a large party.
Six adults.
Two children from neighborhood.
Cupcakes.
No soup.
Jenna joked:
“I’m bringing sandwiches forever.”
I laughed.
Actually laughed.
Grace smashed cake.
Blue frosting in hair.
Michael took pictures.
At one point I froze because Grace knocked over a cup of juice.
Red juice.
Across white napkin.
My body reacted before mind.
Heart racing.
Heat.
Then Michael said:
“Five alarm emergency.”
He grabbed towel.
Jenna laughed.
Grace slapped table.
Normal.
I went to bathroom and cried for five minutes.
Then returned.
Trauma can be quiet.
No speech.
No music swelling.
You just walk back.
Victoria’s probation allowed communication through counsel.
She sent birthday card to Grace?
No. She asked first.
We said no.
Not yet.
Margaret remained incarcerated then later released under supervision.
She requested photos.
Denied.
May you like
She did not challenge.
That was new.
