I did not want to believe it.
Neither did Mom.
She defended him every time.
“Richard is a good man.”
“He has been through a lot.”
“Not everything is a secret.”
Then came Mom’s birthday.
We prepared dinner.
She made Richard’s favorite chocolate pie.
She was excited.
She kept looking toward the door.
When Richard arrived, she smiled.
The evening was wonderful.
Until 7:26.
I saw him look at his watch.
My stomach tightened.
Richard stood.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
“I have to go.”
Mom’s smile disappeared.
“Tonight?”
“It’s my birthday.”
“Can’t you stay ten more minutes?”
Richard looked uncomfortable.
“I really can’t.”
He kissed her cheek.
Picked up his briefcase.
And walked out.
Mom stared at the door.
Chloe stared through the window.
Then she quietly stood.
“I’ll be right back.”
Before I could ask anything, she left.
Forty minutes passed.
Then the front door opened.
