Within 15 minutes, most had left.
The last guest closed the front door behind her, leaving us surrounded by wrapping paper, balloons, and half-eaten cake.
I looked at Daniel.
“Now you can explain.”
He sat down on the couch.
“Our apartment is too small, Mom. You know that.”
“I know you’ve been looking for something bigger.”
“We can’t afford anything bigger. Not with the baby coming.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me?”
He leaned forward.
“Because I knew what you’d say.”
“What would I say?”
“That we should be grateful for what we have. That you and Dad raised me in a small place before buying this house.”
I studied him.
“That’s not what I was going to say.”
He looked at the wooden box.
“I thought if you saw how much better this place would be for Olivia, you’d understand.”
Brittany crossed her arms.
“Daniel, you told me your mother had already agreed.”
