Chapter 10 - The Wish Fulfilled
On Maya’s eighth birthday, one year later, the backyard was once again filled with sunlight.
There was no bounce house this time, just a simple wooden table set up under the shade of the old oak tree, decorated with yellow wildflowers and paper lanterns.
A small group of close friends, along with Anthony and my parents, sat around the table.
I carried out a homemade chocolate cake, decorated with simple white frosting and eight bright pink candles.
Everyone began to sing "Happy Birthday."
Maya stood on her little stool, her eyes sparkling with pure happiness as she looked around at the small, loving circle of people surrounding her.
Shawn was not there—he had spent the morning with her for breakfast per our court agreement, keeping things polite and brief before returning to his new life across town.
Maya looked at me, giving me a bright, beautiful smile.
"Okay, birthday girl," I said, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. "Make a wish."
Maya closed her eyes.
She took a deep breath, leaned forward, and blew out all eight candles in one single, strong breath.
Everyone cheered and clapped.
Anthony handed her a plate, while I cut the first slice.
Maya looked up at me, taking my hand in hers, her little thumb rubbing the back of my knuckles.
"Mom?" she whispered softly.
"Yes, sweetie?"
"Do you remember what I asked Aunt Olivia last year?"
I paused, holding the cake server, looking into her clear, honest eyes. "I do."
Maya smiled, looking around the peaceful, sunlit yard at the people who truly loved us.
"I don't have to ask that anymore," she said quietly. "Because everybody here likes us."
I pulled my daughter into a tight, warm hug, resting my chin against her hair, tears of pure joy pricking the corners of my eyes.
The truth had broken my old world into pieces.
May you like
But as I looked around at the life we had built from the ruins, I realized that breaking those pieces was the best thing that had ever happened to us.
We were finally free. We were finally whole.
