st birthday party for Leo, it was an exhibition. His first finger paintings, framed and hung with professional care. Plaster casts of his tiny hands and feet sat on pedestals. A looping vi
ned the gallery, clinked her
It looks amazing. P
mile. "Thanks for letting me do
g an arm around my waist and kissing my temp
My mom is over the moon. She' s showing every
A rare, perfec
and a chill followed Brenda Je
ing the space with an air of judgment. She didn' t look at the art.
a beeli
turn. "Look at this. An entire party for a one-year-old. A little much
to drop a few degrees. I felt
enda," I said, keeping my vo
' s chaotic, joyful handprints. "Cute. I guess some people will buy anything thes
friends shifted uncomfortably. Linda' s smile tightened into a thin
She put on a show of surprise, her hand flyin
issive wave. "You know me. I' m just blunt. I say what eve
nd for support,
nd me, to draw a line. I saw the conflict in his face, the flicker of annoyance at his sister
acating. He turned to me, his eyes pleading. "Sarah, s
were the problem, not her cruelty. My throat felt tight, and I could feel my eyes starting to b
essional peacekeeper rushing to smooth o
" Evelyn said gently. "Sarah worked so hard on this.
ympathetic sque
h," Evelyn whispered to me, as if that
yes. "Whatever, Mom. I'
the bar. As she walked away, I heard her mutter to her
It does nothing for her post-baby body. You' d
ed of my composure for the sake of my son, whose beautiful day w