She asked why Hannah had not hired a professional party planner.
She complained that the lemonade was too sweet.
When one of Lily’s friends accidentally knocked over a bowl of candy, Margaret announced loudly that children needed to be taught proper manners.
Hannah cleaned up the mess and reassured the little girl that accidents happened.
Daniel kept asking his wife to ignore the comments.
“Mom’s just particular,” he whispered at one point.
Hannah looked at him.
“She’s humiliating me in my own home.”
“She doesn’t mean it that way.”
“Then why does she keep doing it?”
Daniel had no answer.
Shortly before the cake-cutting ceremony, Margaret received a call from the country club.
She walked into the kitchen, spoke for a few minutes, and ended the call with a satisfied smile.
Then she turned toward the counter.
Hannah had stepped outside to help Lily’s friends wash their hands.
The cake sat beneath a clear plastic cover.
Margaret removed it.
She stared at the pink roses one final time.
Then she lifted the entire cake and dropped it into the trash.
She had barely finished wiping her hands when Hannah walked back inside.
That was how the birthday party came to a standstill.
After Hannah rescued the cake, she carried it to the dining table.
The children had gathered near the doorway, sensing that something was wrong.
Lily stood beside her mother.
Margaret crossed her arms.
“I hope you’re satisfied. Now everyone is uncomfortable.”
Hannah ignored her.
She lit eight candles and placed them carefully across the cake.
Then she looked at Lily.
“Would you like to make a wish?”
