Chapter 17 - WILLIAM’S SECOND BIRTHDAY CAKE
William turned seven before he asked for a real birthday party again.
For his sixth, we went to a baseball game.
No candles.
No relatives.
At seven, he wanted cake.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“What kind?”
“Chocolate.”
“Theme?”
“No theme.”
That felt like progress.
He invited nine children from school.
No Howerins.
Cody’s therapist had asked once whether William wanted restorative contact.
William said no.
We respected it.
During the party, one child accidentally pushed a finger into the frosting.
William froze.
I saw it.
The child said:
“Sorry!”
William looked at me.
I waited.
His party.
His response.
He said:
“It’s okay. Just don’t step on it.”
Everyone laughed.
Even him.
I had to go into the bathroom afterward and cry privately.
May you like
Healing does not always announce itself.
Sometimes it makes a joke.
