Once burned, Twice shy, Yet love finds a way.

Birthday Reflections I stared at the twenty-two candles flickering on the cake, casting shadows on the walls. The same shadows that danced on my childhood birthdays, when Dad's laughter filled the room. Now, the silence was deafening. "Happy birthday to me," I whispered, forcing a smile. My phone buzzed with notifications – friends and acquaintances wishing me a happy birthday. But one name was noticeably absent. Always absent. Memories flooded my mind like a tidal wave. Dad's strong arms lifting me onto his shoulders, the smell of his cologne, and the sound of his deep laughter. I recalled the Father's Day picnic when I was eight. He promised to always be there for me. "kiddo, no matter what, I'll always be your rock." But rocks crumble. *Reality* I pushed aside the memories and focused on the present. My daily routine, work, gym, and solitude. The independence I cultivated was my shield against heartache. As I blew out the candles, a single wish echoed in my mind: "Find yourself, Jade." The smoke from the extinguished candles swirled around me, carrying the whispers of my past. I gazed out the window, watching the city lights twinkle to life. Twenty-two and still searching for answers. "Who am I, without the pain?" The question lingered, a haunting melody. __ "Mom, why didn't you ever tell me what happened to Dad?" I asked, stirring the pasta sauce. Karen's eyes clouded, and she set the table with a sigh. "I didn't want to hurt you, sweetie." "Hurt me more than his leaving did?" The words spilled out, bitter. Karen's expression softened. "Lexi, I did what I thought was best." As we sat down to eat, memories flooded my mind... --- Flashbacks: "I remember Dad taking me to the park," I said, a smile creeping onto my face. Karen's eyes misted. "He loved you so much, Lexi." "But why did he leave?" The question still haunted me. Karen's expression turned guarded. "Your father had his own demons." "What demons?" I pressed. "Jade , some wounds run too deep," Karen said softly. "Mom, I need to know what happened," I urged. Karen sighed. "Your father struggled with addiction. He promised to get help, but..." "But he never came back," I finished. Karen nodded, tears streaming down her face. For the first time, I saw my mother's pain. "Mom, I'm sorry," I whispered. Karen's arms enveloped me. "I'm sorry too, Jade." As we hugged, a weight lifted. I realized my mother's secrets weren't hers alone. We both carried the scars of my father's absence. ---