My daughter Lily was bubbling with excitement as her 5th birthday approached. However, with an upcoming trip on the horizon, we decided to celebrate her birthday a bit early. So, last Saturday, we threw a whimsical party filled with laughter, balloons, and an array of colorful gifts that sparkled in her wide-eyed gaze.
After the day’s festivities, we returned home, and Lily, still in her princess dress, began unwrapping her presents with youthful enthusiasm. She gleefully tore through the paper of each gift, revealing toys and books, her laughter filling the room. Yet, amidst her joy, one present remained untouched – a neatly wrapped box from my father and his wife, Jane.
Curious, I nudged her gently. “Darling, why didn’t you open this one? Aren’t you excited to see what’s inside?”
Her tiny hands paused, and she looked up at me with a hint of fear.
“No, mommy, I’m scared,” she whispered. Confused, I pressed on, “But why, sweetie? It’s from Grandpa and Jane.
You know they love you very much.”
Her next words sent a shiver down my spine. “Then why did I hear Jane say that after I open it, tomorrow she and Grandpa will take me to the doctor?”
My husband and I exchanged bewildered looks. With a reassuring smile, I scooped her up, promising everything was okay, and we moved to another room to distract her with her other gifts.
…The story doesn’t end here, it continues on the next page 👇
