The First Birthday Without Fear
Chapter 16 - The First Birthday Without Fear
Lily turned four in March.
We held her party in our backyard.
There were yellow balloons, strawberry cupcakes, and a homemade banner that read:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LILY!
Olivia helped decorate.
Anthony brought a ridiculous inflatable dinosaur.
Mom wore a bright blue dress and insisted on making enough macaroni and cheese to feed the entire neighborhood.
Lily was thrilled.
But an hour before the party, she approached me carrying her rabbit.
"Daddy?"
"What's up, princess?"
"What if I don't smile when everyone sings?"
I knelt.
"Then you don't smile."
She frowned.
"Really?"
"Really."
"What if I cry?"
"Then we'll help you feel better."
"What if I don't want cake?"
"Then you don't eat cake."
She stared at me.
Then she giggled.
"Can I eat two cakes?"
I laughed.
"Now you're negotiating."
When everyone gathered around the birthday table, Lily stood beside Mom.
Four candles flickered above a strawberry cake.
We began singing.
Halfway through, Lily looked overwhelmed.
She covered her ears.
I immediately stopped singing.
A few guests noticed and softened their voices.
I leaned down.
"Too loud?"
She nodded.
"Want us to stop?"
"Please."
"Okay."
We stopped.
Nobody scolded her.
Nobody rolled their eyes.
Nobody told her she was embarrassing us.
Mom simply held out her hand.
"Ready to make a wish?"
Lily smiled.
A real smile.
She leaned forward and blew out the candles.
Everyone clapped gently.
Then she ran into my arms.
"Daddy, I did it!"
I kissed her cheek.
"You sure did."
She wrapped her arms around my neck.
Then whispered, "I wished for everybody to stay."
I closed my eyes.
"That's a beautiful wish."
May you like
And silently, I promised to do everything within my power to give her a life where the people who loved her didn't disappear because she made mistakes.
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