So I got very good at changing the subject.
By the time my birthday came around, I had lowered my expectations.
Thomas planned dinner at our house.
Nothing huge.
Susan arrived twenty minutes late carrying two gift bags and a small velvet jewelry box.
His parents, my sister, two close friends, and a few relatives.
I wanted pasta, cake, and one evening where nobody asked me whether we were “still trying.”
Susan arrived twenty minutes late carrying two gift bags and a small velvet jewelry box.
The box caught my attention immediately.
I had spent the whole afternoon bracing myself for some comment.
Then she held up the velvet box.
Instead, she kissed my cheek.
“Happy birthday.”
“Thank you.”
Then she held up the velvet box.
“I had this made especially for you.”
I couldn’t tell whether she was being playful or whether I was already looking for trouble.
Thomas glanced at it.
“What is it?”
Susan smiled.
“Later.”
I couldn’t tell whether she was being playful or whether I was already looking for trouble.
For almost an hour, she behaved like a normal person.
But she also brought flowers.
Actual nice flowers.
She complimented the pasta.
She asked my sister about work without interrupting her.
