#Chapter 59: A Birthday Celebration Spoiled

The next morning, the air in the house feels cool. I should have taken that as another sign. I wake up early with the anticipation of telling Alex happy birthday. I know his parents are planning a small, intimate breakfast celebration in spite of his wishes to be left alone. I helped them put up a few balloons the night before, and I hope this will lighten his mood a little. Honestly, I was surprised they thought to ask me to help, especially Mr. Hewlett. It made me feel included, like maybe they don’t disapprove of me being here after all. I was surprised to see Rita in the kitchen this morning, arranging plates on the table, a birthday breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, and biscuits and gravy spread across it, as if omitting cake made it a little less of a celebration. I made Alex a card last night…after we hung balloons. If we are celebrating then I want him to have something from me, and even though a homemade card feels a bit silly and childish, it’s all I can do on such short