Aunt Lisa.
Cousin Brian.
Even the neighbors who had been invited.
Several quietly apologized to the children.
Not everyone.
But enough.
Enough for Rebecca to smile again.
Enough for Samuel to stop clutching his inhaler like a shield.
Enough for Jacob to stop believing he had done something wrong.
Thomas walked over to the birthday cake.
He picked up the receipt still tucked beneath the bakery box.
Then he turned to Helen.
“Happy birthday.”
He laid the receipt on the table.
“The balance has been paid.”
“My responsibility ends today.”
“What does that mean?” Helen whispered.
Thomas reached into his wallet.
He pulled out a small envelope.
Inside was a single house key.
