Suddenly everyone starts to sing, Happy birthday to you… Even Hunter seems to coo along. It’s enough to almost make me feel guilty. Almost. Leigh gives me a huge hug. You made it. Happy birthday. She hands me a big package, all done up in chartreuse. [Heather must have chosen the wrapping paper. It sucks.] Go on. Open it, urges Leigh. It’s a leather trench coat, and not an inexpensive one. “Way cool! Thanks a ton!” I slide into it, cinch it up. You look great, says Scott. Mom comes over, puts one hand on each shoulder, looks me straight in the eyes. [Dilated—will she notice?] I want you to know I’m proud of you. Okay, that has to be a lie. But it makes me tear up anyway. “Thanks, Mom.” [Even if I don’t believe you.] Promise not to stay out too late. “I’ll do my best.” Okay, so I traded a lie for a lie. No doubt everyone knows it. “Oh, there’s Dad now.” Don’t tell him I said hi, jokes Leigh. At least she found her sense of humor. I kiss Hunter on the forehead.
