“What’s your plan for your birthday?”
That was the first thing Ate Zeina asked when she called. I gave a little shrug, even though she couldn’t see it. I wasn’t trying to be dramatic—I just genuinely didn’t have anything planned. I’ve never been the type to go all out for birthdays like Mama Heidy does during family events. And with Tali’s graduation happening next year, I already know Mama’s attention is gearing toward that, just like she did for mine.
I do appreciate it, though. Even if we’ve stayed in Mama Heidy’s house for so long and she treated us like her own, there are times I still feel guilty—as if we’re adding more weight on her shoulders. When Ate Zeina left for Spain, we tried to be more independent, but even then, Mama Heidy—and honestly, the whole family—kept looking after
