Chapter 35 - the birthday they chose themselvesLily turned five in Daniel and Claire’s backyard.
There were six children from school.
The cake was shaped like a rabbit.
No gold invitations were printed.
No photographers were hired.
Emma chose green ribbons instead of yellow ones.
Rose arrived early and helped hang paper decorations. Evelyn brought too many presents and pretended not to notice when Rose smiled at her.
Thomas attended under supervision while awaiting sentencing for his role in the illegal placements.
Claire allowed him to stay for one hour.
He accepted the limit.
During the party, Lily placed five candles on the cake.
Then she added another.
“This one is for Emma.”
“But it is not my birthday,” Emma said.
“It can be your safe-day.”
Emma looked toward Evelyn.
No one knew the exact date she had been removed from her first home. No record could tell them when her stolen identity ended and her real life began again.
Emma blew out the sixth candle.
At two o’clock, Daniel’s phone vibrated.
For a moment, everyone froze.
It was only a weather alert.
Rain began falling.
The children screamed happily and ran through the yard.
The adults remained beneath the awning.
Claire leaned against Daniel.
“This party did not end a family,” she said.
May you like
“No.”
“It showed us which one to build.”
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