Birthday Banquet

Angel tugged at my arm, her big eyes wide as she looked up at me seriously. "Mommy, are we going to a restaurant to eat?"

"Yes! Do you want to go, sweetheart?" I said, gazing at my beautiful daughter and truly smitten. I kissed her chubby little cheeks. "My baby loves going to restaurants!"

"Yay! We're going to a restaurant!" She clapped her hands joyfully and jumped twice, then hesitated, her next words trailing off. My heart clenched, knowing she was about to ask, 'Is Daddy coming?'

"Daddy won't be joining us. From now on, it will just be Mommy taking Angel to restaurants. Whatever my daughter wants to eat, Mommy will let my baby choose herself."

I held her close, determined to tell her the truth. I didn't want to be like those divorced parents who lie and let their children wait endlessly. It was better to face reality: if he's not there, he's not there.