My voice trembled, but I continued.
“Families aren’t perfect. Birthdays aren’t perfect. Surprises aren’t perfect.”
I looked from one child to the next.
“But you know what matters?”
Nobody answered.
“Showing up.”
Grant lowered his head.
“You can forget decorations. You can burn dinner. You can buy the wrong cake. I don’t care.”
I took a breath.
“But don’t disappear.”
Mark nodded slowly.
I continued.
“I spent years raising all of you after your father decided leaving was easier than staying. Maybe that’s why tonight hurt as much as it did.”
Their expressions changed.
“I know you’re adults. I know you’re busy. I don’t expect you to call me every hour.”
Sarah wiped her eyes.
“But four hours of silence from all six of you made me feel like I had somehow become optional.”
“Oh, Mom,” Eliza whispered.
Grant stepped closer.
“You’re not.”
“Then don’t make me guess.”
He nodded.
“No more disappearing.”
His voice was firm now.
“Not me.”
I studied him.
“You promise?”
“I promise.”
The officer who had brought me cleared his throat from near the doorway.
Apparently everyone had forgotten he was still there.
“Ma’am… I’m Nate.”
I raised an eyebrow.
He looked deeply uncomfortable.
