Chapter 4
1113 Words
Rose POV
My eyes flew open, and my jaw nearly hit the pristine white floor. My birthday? I whispered under my breath, still disoriented. I turned toward the calendar hanging on the wall. When I saw the date, a small gasp escaped my lips, and I mentally smacked my forehead.
How could I forget the most important day of my life?
It took me a few seconds to regain composure. I shut my mouth before any imaginary fly could land in it and dropped to my knees in front of Mom.
“Happy birthday, Susan,” Mom murmured, her voice faint. Her thin hand stroked my cheek as her eyes scanned my face. “I’m sorry I don’t have anything to give you,” she added, looking regretful. My heart crumbled.
“You don’t need to give me anything, Mom,” I told her gently. The guilt in her eyes melted into warmth. “Just having you here with me today is the best gift I could ask for.”
Tears shimmered in her eyes. For a second, I thought they’d spill, but she blinked them away and held my hands in hers. A soft smile curled on her pale lips. “I’m the lucky one to have a daughter like you,” she whispered.
“No, I’m luckier to have you as my mom.”
“Susan, will you promise me something?” she asked suddenly. Her words chilled me to the bone. The smile faded from my lips.
Why is she bringing this up now?
I parted my lips to protest, but the look in her eyes froze the words in my throat. “Will you promise me you’ll stay happy... even after I’m gone?” she whispered.
I swallowed hard, lowering my gaze to the floor. Could I promise that? “You’re not leaving me, right, Mom?” The question shot from my lips as I met her eyes again. My heart clenched. I brushed the sparse strands of her hair—remnants from months of chemotherapy.
And then the tears came. Hot and fast.
Mom looked so fragile. Her skin clung tightly to her bones, her eyes ringed with shadows. She couldn’t walk anymore. I wasn’t sure she’d survive another round of treatment. Still, she wore that brave smile, her spirit unshaken.
“I’ve accepted what’s coming,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “But before I leave this world, I need to know—you’ll be okay. That you’ll live your life.”
Silence fell between us.
“Susan?”
I closed my eyes for a moment, inhaled deeply, and nodded. “I promise, Mom.”
Her face lit up. “Thank you, sweetheart. I believe in you. I always have.” She pulled me into a gentle hug.
“There’s no need to thank me, Mom,” I whispered, kissing her temple. I stood and wiped the tears from my cheeks just as Rose cleared her throat behind me.
“Happy birthday again, Susan,” she said, her smile lightening the heavy mood in the room. “I brought your favorite—Black Forest cake.” She held it up with a grin. “Make a wish!”
I closed my eyes and did just that before blowing out the candle. Another year older, I thought as the flame disappeared.
“I made breakfast downstairs. We should eat before it gets cold,” Rose announced.
“You go ahead. I’ll carry Mom down,” I replied.
Rose nodded and left. I turned back to Mom, carefully lifting her into my arms. She was feather-light now, like holding a child. I carried her down to the kitchen without struggle.
“Thank you,” she murmured as I helped her into a chair.
The smell of food wrapped around us, making my stomach grumble. Everything on the table looked delicious.
“This was your mom’s idea,” Rose said, pointing to the spread of all my favorite dishes.
“But you were the one who spent hours cooking,” Mom smiled.
“You were with me the whole time, giving instructions,” Rose laughed, sitting across from me.
“You both did amazing. I’m going to enjoy every bite,” I said, pulling my chair close to Mom. They both smiled warmly.
“Let’s pray first. My stomach is begging for mercy,” I joked.
Rose led the prayer. Once done, I served Mom first, then filled my plate.
“How was your anniversary dinner last night?” Rose asked mid-bite, her eyes still on her plate. She missed the way my face fell.
“I was rushing around yesterday because my niece had a fever. I forgot to ask—” She finally glanced up and saw my expression.
“I’m sorry, Susan. I shouldn’t have brought it up,” she said quickly, regret darkening her eyes.
“It’s okay,” I murmured, eyes fixed on my plate. I took a bite of steak, chewing slowly, trying to keep up the act of having an appetite.
“It didn’t go well,” I admitted. “It’s... complicated.” I didn’t elaborate.
Rose sensed my hesitation and respectfully dropped the topic. Mom followed her lead. The rest of the meal was eaten in quiet understanding.
“I’ll do the dishes,” I offered once we finished the cake.
But Rose waved me off. “It’s my turn today.”
“I can help—”
“Susan, the meals you cook aren’t your obligation to me, yet you always include me. Let me return the kindness.” She stood with the plates. “Besides, you’ll be late for work if you don’t get ready now.”
I sighed in defeat. “You win.”
I switched on the television for Mom so she could watch her favorite talk show, then headed upstairs.
I grabbed a towel on my way to the bathroom, but paused when my phone started ringing. I picked it up from my bed. An unknown number flashed on the screen.
Curious, I answered, trying to sound upbeat. “Hello?”
No response.
“This is Susan. Can I help you?” Still nothing.
I hung up, assuming it was just a prank.
Ding!
A text message came through. Same number.
I unlocked my phone, and my breath hitched when I read it:
Happy birthday, Susan.
My brow furrowed. There was no name. No clue who it was from.
Maybe it’s someone from work at the restaurant, I guessed, shrugging off the unease.
Without giving it much thought, I headed to the bathroom. I had a shift to catch—and not much time left.
- Writer
