Chapter 23;He’s present
The house smelled like pizza, cheap candles, and candies. Balloons were taped to the ceiling with duct tape because Xavier said “we’re not buying helium for a 17th birthday.” Streamers hung crooked across the living room. A playlist blared from David’s old speaker — pop songs Stacy had been singing since middle school. *HAPPY 17TH STACY!!!* was written on a banner that kept peeling off the wall. Stacy stood in the kitchen in jeans and a yellow sweater, trying to light 17 candles on her cake while 6 liv shouted instructions. “Not like that! You’ll burn the frosting!” “Make a wish!” “Hurry before the wax drips!” She laughed and blew them all out in one breath. Smoke curled up. Everyone cheered. David was on the couch. Arms crossed. Watching. He’d been home from his n
- Writer
