“My six-year-old is scrubbing tables.”
“They’re children.”
“My eight-year-old is carrying heavy serving trays.”
“They need discipline.”
“My daughter was told she has to earn her food.”
Helen crossed her arms.
“If Thomas couldn’t build a proper family the way God intended, then at least his children can learn to serve people from a young age.”
Several relatives nodded in agreement.
Someone even murmured, “She’s right.”
Thomas slowly scanned the garden.
Faces.
So many familiar faces.
People who had watched his children work while sitting comfortably eating the meal he had paid for.
He drew a slow breath.
Then another.
“Everyone.”
His voice was not loud.
Yet every face turned toward him.
“I’d like everyone’s attention for a moment.”
The music came to a stop.
Even the teenagers lowered their phones.
Thomas stepped up to the microphone beside the birthday cake.
“I organized today’s celebration because I wanted to honor my mother.”
Helen smiled with pride.
“I rented this venue.”
