Families argued, went through phases, fell out of rhythm. But it didn’t mean love had gone missing. She decided to do what she always did when words failed her: cook. Jake’s birthday was coming up, and she wanted it to be perfect. Nothing fancy, just warm and familiar, the kind of day the kids would remember.
She spent Saturday morning at the market, humming to herself as she picked out strawberries, fresh cream, and chocolate sprinkles. Emma loved the first, Jake the last. For Lisa, she bought orange juice and a small bouquet of yellow tulips. By afternoon, the house was alive with motion.