I sat beside her.
And together, we drew a hospital.
Six months after the party, Grandma invited us to a quiet family dinner.
Just the three of us.
No expensive decorations. No champagne. No relatives trying to impress one another.
Grandma had asked Mrs. Carter to prepare Lily’s favorite meal: spaghetti and meatballs.
We ate in the kitchen, laughing while Lily told Grandma about her first-grade class.
Then Grandma asked whether Lily wanted dessert.
“Chocolate cake!”
Grandma smiled.
“Excellent choice.”
After dinner, Lily ran into the living room to find her favorite picture book.
Grandma turned to me.
“Have you heard from your father?”
I nodded.
“He’s sent several letters.”
“And Vanessa?”
“She called twice.”
Grandma waited.
I looked toward the living room.
“I haven’t answered.”
She nodded slowly.
“That’s your decision.”
I had spent most of my life hoping my parents would finally be proud of me.
