Every ounce of energy I possess seeps out of my body. I’m done. I’m so done. I’m giving up

"Surprise!”

I stumble back, stepping hard on Atara’s toe.

“Ow,” she says, grinning like a madman.

I glare at her.

“Oh, c’mon, you didn’t think we were going to ignore your birthday, did you?” she asks, hobbling around me so she can check out the spread.

“Oh my gosh,” she breathes. “Who made that cake?” She points at a giant cake shaped like a “15” covered in macarons, flowers, and candies.

“Goldie,” Ma says proudly, and my sister-in-law blushes.

“Oh please, anything for my favorite sister-in-law.”

“Careful what you say,” I grin, “your brother just got married. I’m no longer your only sister-in-law.”

“Hey, the truth is the truth,” she says solemnly, giving me a hug.

Pori and Mali grab me for a picture, Babby sits regally in a chair, delicately eating pomegranate seeds with a little spoon, and Atara and Ma are rolling with laughter over something.

Huh. I had no interest in celebrating my birthday, but this actually isn’t so bad. Besides, there is sushi and iced coffee and pastas and cake.

I head over to the table to give Babby a kiss.

“Thank you so much for coming, Babby,” I say, sitting next to her.

She grasps my hand in hers; has her skin always been so thin?

“A happy birthday, my sweet girl,” she says, and suddenly I’m struck by how very old Babby looks.