“Of course,” she had replied. “She’s having a wonderful time. She’s exhausted from all the excitement and already asleep.”
I had sent Sofia a message and received no response.
Patricia told me she must have left her phone charging in another room.
Now, sitting across from me, my daughter explained what had really happened.
“They had a party,” she whispered.
“Whose party?”
“Bianca’s.”
I frowned.
“Bianca’s birthday wasn’t in June.”
“She said she wanted another celebration because her real birthday had been ruined by problems with her parents.”
I remembered Patricia mentioning something about that. She had said Bianca was emotionally fragile and needed extra attention.
“So they had another birthday party for her?”
Sofia nodded.
“They bought a cake. They invited some of Bianca’s friends. Grandma Teresa decorated the living room. Patricia bought balloons and a new dress for Bianca.”
She paused.
“They even used the candles you bought for me.”
