Wished Away, I Walked into Freedom

At my daughter, Nadia Payne's, birthday party, she leans toward the candles and makes a wish in the Jirnum language. "I hope Ms. Carton can be my mom this year." My husband, Zachary Payne, smiles and ruffles her hair. "Your wish will come true very soon." I freeze. The cake slips right out of my hands and falls to the floor. He looks at me, concerned. "What's wrong?" I shake my head quickly and smile. "I lost my grip, that's all." Truth is, I understand Jirnum. Panic hits me so hard that I can't even hold onto the cake.