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Hayzel is walking across the landing, holding a present for Milo too. “Who knew shopping for kids was so difficult, they have so many choices. It was hard to find something,” she suddenly says as we all laugh as we descend downstairs and into the living room.

Everyone is sitting around the table. We didn’t have the time to bake a cool cake, but Edna found a solution.

Some of Milo’s school friends are here, laughing and smiling. The birthday boy looks soft and happy and all I can do is mirror his joy. Damien’s hand lands on my lower back, and he whispers softly, “You’re an incredible sister.”

The light is off, candles are lit and everyone is ready to sing.

“Happy birthday to you...” we sing and I hold the birthday cake in front of a beaming Milo who’s holding Blue in his arms who is also wearing a matching birthday hat. “Happy birthday dear Milo and Blue...”

“Happy birthday to you…” we finished as I brought the cake closer so he could blow out the candles.

One candle for each year I had to endure your absence, mom, and his violence. One candle for each year Milo found comfort in the most scarred person around him.

And one candle for every year I’ve been missing you, because where there is deep love, there is deep grief.

Hope you’re watching over him with pride, he’s a happy kid, I promise.

“Make a wish, firefly,” I whisper as he squeezes his cheeks together.

The smoke from the candles fills the air and we all cheer.

“I want a big piece please, sissy!” Milo says.

I chuckle as Edna hands me a kitchen knife, then serve Milo first then Edna, Hayzel and Damien. Ms Jennings, Edna’s friend, and her grandson want to take theirs home so I grab two spare napkins.

“He’s more than happy,” Edna says as I hand her two pieces of the cake in napkins for our guests.

“You’re a big reason for that,” I reply softly and she smiles.

“I’ll give these to them,” she says, gesturing to Ms Jennings and her grandson.

I move towards the front door with Edna to say goodbye to our guest’s leaving and Damien announces that he’s heading off too.

“Oh, you’re leaving so soon, Damien?” Edna says as he adjusts his sleeves.

“I can’t stay too long. Thank you for having me,” he replies softly.

She nods before continuing, “don’t be a stranger now, alright?”

Edna returns to the living room where Milo and Hayzel are wishing happy birthday to Blue again. And I’m all alone with Damien at the entrance.

“You know you can stay,” I say quietly as my hands find his shirt.

“I know,” he replies, his gaze never leaving mine. His large hand stays on mine against his chest and he leans in to leave a small kiss on the corner of my mouth. “But it’s late and I know you don’t get to spend a lot of time with Milo. Stay. I’ll call you in the morning.”

I nod, stepping closer to him. His hand cups my jaw now, and the pad of his thumb rubs against my lips.

“Goodnight, Mireya.”

“Goodnight, Damien.”

He presses his forehead against mine briefly and the warmth of his body washes over me.

He then lets go and I take a step back as he gestures at the door. “Lock it behind me.” I smile and a soft chuckle escapes my lips as I close the door.

A quick knock from outside and his voice comes in again. “Lock it.”

He’s insane.