Grandma lived on a modest pension, but she bought the supplies herself and spent three days baking and decorating.
When I visited, sugar flowers covered the kitchen table.
She rubbed her aching wrist, then held up a delicate rose for me to admire.
“It’s beautiful,” I told her.
She smiled and went straight back to work.
She spent three days baking and decorating.
I stayed overnight so I could drive her to the wedding outside the city. Ashley was coming for the cake in the morning.
***
I woke up to the smell of coffee and the sound of voices in the front hall.
Ashley had arrived.
She stood by the cake like a customer at a dealership, arms folded, phone out, taking photos. Not one word about how it looked.
Ashley was coming for the cake in the morning.
Then I heard Grandma’s voice. Small. Careful.
“Honey, could you pay for the cake now? I spent quite a bit on the ingredients, and I’m embarrassed to say this, but I need to buy my medication soon. Every dollar matters.”
