Patty had been looking forward to celebrating her ninetieth birthday with her daughter and grandchildren. When they failed to show up, though, she was forced to celebrate the milestone with an unexpected visitor who delivered some depressing news.
Patty considered her fortunate life after reaching the age of ninety. It had only been her and her daughter, Angie, when her husband passed away a few years prior. Angie had promised to visit Patty’s children, so she was looking forward to her birthday. Patty cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren because they brought back memories of her daughter and her late son-in-law, John, with whom she was still very much in love.
Patty was thrilled to celebrate her birthday, but she started to worry when she hadn’t heard from Angie by midday. Several missed calls later, she realized she might be by herself for the rest of the day. The doorbell rang right when she thought all hope was lost. Patty was taken aback to see John at her door with gifts and flowers, since she had expected her family.
John welcomed Patty with her favorite chocolates and a kind smile, as he always showed consideration. He sat down with her at supper, and the two of them cooked and reminisced like it was yesterday. When John inquired about Angie and the children’s plans to join them over dinner, Patty expressed her sadness that they wouldn’t be attending.
John was worried when he called Angie and found out that she was on vacation with her new partner and the kids—a trip they had been preparing for a month but hadn’t disclosed to anybody. This information severely wounded Patty, who felt let down on such a momentous day. Even though John’s presence lessened the suffering, Patty was left feeling uneasy about trusting her daughter following such a traumatic event.
