I still recall that summer, when my sixtieth birthday loomed and the house was buzzing with preparation. I, Victoria Harper, steadied the trembling napkin beneath the vase of roses and glanced once more at the clock. Less than an hour remained until the guests should arrive, and my nerves would not settle. A sixtyyear milestone deserved everything to be flawless.
Emma, are you almost done? I called toward the kitchen, where the clatter of dishes could be heard.
Yes, Mum, just finishing the salads! my daughter replied. Could you check on Kevin? He was supposed to pop out for some mineral water.
I sighed and walked to the room where my soninlaw stayed. Ten years under the same roof had not taught me to appreciate his leisurely pace. For Kevin, right now and on my way were permanent promises. He sat at his computer, absorbed in whatever was on the screen.
Kevin, werent you going to the shop? I tried to keep my tone gentle, though irritation slipped in.
Yeah, yeah, Im about to leave, he answered without looking up, his fingers still snapping the mouse.
The guests will be here any minute.
Ill be back in time, dont worry.
Leaving the room, I clenched my teeth. It was always the same story. If it werent for Emma, I would have sent Kevin packing a long time ago. Ten years together and nothing changed; he kept promising to save for his own place, but the end of those promises was never in sight. At least we had a granddaughter Lily who was the only bright spot for an old woman like me.
Gran, will there be a cake? Lily asked as she appeared in the hallway, as if she could read my thoughts.
Yes, love, there will be, I said. Your dad is supposed to collect it from the bakery.
She frowned. Do you think hell remember? Yesterday he missed my swimming lesson even though he promised to drive me.
I stroked her head softly. Dont worry, Ill remind him. And put on that pretty dress we bought last week, alright?
When Lily disappeared back to her room, I returned to Kevin.
Dont forget the cake. I ordered it from The Sweet Spot on Oxford Street.
I remember, Mum, he waved off. First the water, then the cake. Everything will be perfect.
Fifteen minutes later Kevin finally tore himself away from the computer, threw on his jacket and headed for the door.
Kevin, have you taken the money for the cake? I called after him.
Isnt it already paid? he stopped in the doorway.
No, I only paid a deposit. The balance is due on delivery.
Emma popped her head out of the kitchen, a towel in her hands. Mum, the card is on the table. Take it, please. Kevins finances are always tight, she said with an apologetic smile.
Kevins money troubles were a constant, but I kept quiet; I did not want the celebration to start with a quarrel. I slipped the needed amount from my wallet and handed it to him.
Just dont be late, and remember the water, I warned.
When Kevin shut the door behind him, I turned back to setting the table. Everything had to be immaculate. Not only relatives but former colleagues would be arriving. I had spent thirtyfive years teaching English literature, and now, five years into retirement, I did not wish to end my life in disgrace.
Dont fret, Mum, Emma hugged me. Itll all be fine.
Im not worried, I lied. I just want everything to be proper.
She nodded, understanding.
Of course, Mum. Youre the best hostess.
The first knock came. My brother Nigel and his wife Teresa arrived together.
Happy birthday, Val! Teresa planted kisses on both cheeks and handed me a large gift bag. You look wonderful! Sixty is the new twenty!
Thank you, dears, I said, touched. Please, make yourselves at home.
Soon more guests filtered in two former colleagues, the neighbour Mrs. Irving with her husband, a cousin from the outskirts. The flat filled with laughter, chatter and congratulations. Yet Kevin still had not returned.
Emma, give your husband a call, I whispered to my daughter as the guests began to seat themselves. Hes dragging his feet.
Emma slipped away with her phone, returned with a strained smile. Hes on his way, Mum. Said there was a queue at the shop.
I only shook my head. I knew those queues well; he was probably stuck with friends or glued to his phone.
Well then, lets start the feast, I announced, trying to sound upbeat.
The banquet began. I had prepared a spread that could rival any banquet hall: the classic ploughmans lunch, jellied eels, roast beef, mushroom pâté, stuffed peppers the list was endless.
Time passed, and Kevin was still missing. Emma had gone out a couple of times to call him, each return more anxious than the last. I tried to distract the guests with conversation.
Remember the trip to Brighton, Val? Teresa laughed. Back when the union sent us vouchers?
How could I forget! That was the one where you flirted with the swimming instructor, wasnt it?
Enough, Teresa! she giggled, nudging her husband. Nigel is still jealous!
We all laughed, and for a moment I forgot my worry. Then a knock sounded at the hallway door.
Finally! Emma shouted, hurrying to answer.
She emerged alone, her face pale.
Mum, can I have a word?
I excused myself from the guests and stepped into the corridor. A stranger stood there, a large box in his hands.
Good afternoon, Im from The Sweet Spot. Did you order a cake?
Yes, I replied, bewildered. Hasnt Kevin collected it?
No, the shop is closing and the order was still here. I decided to bring it myself, since the address was clear. A party needs its cake.
A lump rose in my throat. Where was Kevin? What had happened to him?
How much do I owe you? I asked, pulling out my wallet.
After settling the bill, I placed the cake on the kitchen counter and turned to Emma.
Emma, wheres your husband?
I dont know, Mum, she whispered, tears glittering in her eyes. His phone has been silent for half an hour.
Alright, I said, steadying myself. Go attend to the guests; Ill deal with the cake.
When Emma left, I sat heavily on a stool. Ten years of Kevins unreliability, his endless promises that never materialised, had worn me thin. I had kept quiet for Emmas sake and for Lilys. Today, however, a line had finally been crossed.
With trembling hands I lifted the cake a beautiful sponge with buttercream roses and the words Happy Birthday! and set it on a serving platter. At that moment Lily peered into the kitchen.
Gran, wheres Daddy?
Im not sure, love, I answered honestly. But we have a cake. Look at it!
Lilys eyes lit up. Can I carry it to the living room?
Sure, but be careful.
She took the platter with the poise of a grownup, sticking out the tip of her tongue in concentration, and marched it into the dining room. I followed, ready to support if needed. She succeeded; the cake arrived on the table amid delighted applause.
Now, dear Victoria, the neighbours husband toasted, raising his glass, let me wish you a splendid birthday and.
His speech was cut short by the sudden slam of the front door. Kevin staggered in, reeking of whisky.
Here I am! he announced cheerily. Happy celebrations, everyone!
An awkward silence fell. I felt a chill as I saw the look in Emmas eyes pain and resignation.
Kevin, Emma asked softly, where have you been?
Whats it to you? he shrugged, heading for the table. Met a mate, had a few pints and look, the cakes already on the table! See? Ive sorted it!
The cake was delivered by the bakery, I said coldly. Because you didnt pick it up.
Never mind, Kevin plumped onto an empty chair. Im here now! Pour me a drink!
The guests exchanged uneasy glances. The festive atmosphere had crumbled. Someone coughed politely, Teresa began gathering her bag, clearly ready to leave.
Thank you all for coming, I said loudly, rising from my seat. I truly appreciate you sharing this day with me. I have an announcement to make.
Even Kevin stopped reaching for the bottle.
For ten years my daughter and soninlaw have lived under my roof, I have never interfered in their marriage, I began, each word a struggle. I have endured disrespect, unreliability, and laziness, all for Emma and Lily. But today is my birthday, and I am giving myself a gift.
I turned to Kevin. Kevin, from tomorrow you are no longer welcome here. You have twentyfour hours to gather your things and find somewhere else to stay.
What? You cant
I can, I replied calmly. This is my flat, and I decide who lives in it.
Emmas shoulders slumped. She stared at the napkin in her hands, her fingers whitening.
Mum, are you sure? she whispered.
Absolutely, I nodded. Its decided.
This is absurd! Kevin banged his fist on the table, sending silverware clinking. Fine, Ill go. My feet wont be on this floor any longer!
He rose in a fury, nearly toppling the chair, and stalked toward the exit. Something crashed in the hallway, and the front door slammed shut behind him.
A brief silence settled, broken only by Lilys small voice.
Can I have a slice of the cake now?
A nervous laugh rippled through the room, easing the tension. I began cutting the cake, trying to hide the tremor in my hands. I did not know if I had done the right thing, but I felt it was the only way. That cake truly marked the end of a chapter with my soninlaw.
Guests drifted away gradually, understanding the celebration was over. Soon only Emma, Lily and I remained.
Gran, Emma said, pulling me aside in the quiet kitchen, I need to tell you something
No need to say anything, dear. I understand.
No, you dont, Emma shook her head. Ive wanted a divorce for ages, but I was scared youd oppose it. What would you say endure it, I chose this for the childs sake
I embraced her. Silly girl. I see how you suffer. Lily sees it all too. She needs a happy mother, not just a formal family.
What now? Emma whispered, clinging to me as she once did as a child.
Now everything will be alright, I promised confidently. Well manage, together.
By evening Kevin returned, sober and subdued. He quietly packed his belongings, casting occasional pleading looks at Emma. She remained firm; a decade of empty promises had hardened her heart.
Could you at least give me the TV? he muttered, zipping his bag. I bought it.
Its my money, Emma replied evenly. Just go, Kevin. Just go.
When the door finally closed, I hugged Emma tight.
Listen, Ive had savings for a while. Not much, but enough for a firsthome deposit for you and Lily. The rest you could get on a mortgage youre now a department manager, the bank will approve.
Emma stared at me, eyes wide with disbelief.
Youre serious? I thought wed keep living together
Well stay together until you have a place, I smiled. Then Ill visit whenever you need, with Lily, perhaps even with someone new.
Mum!
Youre still thirtyfive, you could still have a baby for Lilys brother or sister. Just choose a husband wisely this time.
Emma laughed through her tears. Youre impossible!
I just want you both happy, I said earnestly. And you know, this birthday turned out better than I imagined. It became the start of a new life.
We stood in the kitchen, arms around each other, while the sun set over the old neighbourhood the last sunset of my former life. On the table, the halfeaten cake with its buttercream roses and Happy Birthday! inscription bore silent testimony to the changes that had unfolded.
Six months later Emma, Lily and I moved into a cosy twobedroom flat in a new development. I visited often, helping with repairs and offering advice. A year after that, a new neighbour, Mr. Samuel Clarke, a physics teacher from my old school, knocked on my door bearing a bouquet of daisies and theatre tickets.
Colleagues say you love Chekhov, he said shyly. Theres a production of The Cherry Orchard at the theatre this week.
I smiled and welcomed him in. Come in, Samuel. I was just about to have tea with the birthday cake. Join us.
