I poured my heart and soul into making the perfect birthday cake for my granddaughter. But when my daughter-in-law threw it away, it wasn’t just the cake that crumbled. I was crushed. And what my son did after that? God, I wasn’t prepared for it.
The scent of vanilla and sugar wafted through my kitchen, bringing back a flood of memories. I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply. For a moment, this 59-year-old Betty was transported back to her childhood, standing on tiptoes next to her grandmother as she crafted culinary magic…
A senior woman with a warm smile | Source: Midjourney
“Nana, can I lick the spoon?” I’d ask my grandma.
“Of course, my little Betty,” she’d reply with a wink. “A good baker always tastes her creations.”
Returning from my nostalgic trip to the past, I opened my eyes, smiling at the perfectly frosted cake before me. A cute pink creamy unicorn lay proudly atop the confection, ready to celebrate my granddaughter Vicki’s special day.
A cute pink unicorn-themed birthday cake | Source: Midjourney
“Oh, Vicki’s going to love this,” I whispered to myself, carefully lifting the cake to place it in a carrier.
Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a text from my son, James.
“Mom, Emily’s on her way over to help set up. See you soon at the party! 🤗”
I felt a knot form in my stomach. Emily, my daughter-in-law, had been increasingly critical of my baking lately. But surely, she wouldn’t object to a birthday cake… would she?
A sad senior woman with her eyes downcast | Source: Midjourney
The doorbell rang, jolting me from my thoughts.
“Here we go,” I muttered, plastering on a smile as I went to answer the door.
“Hi, Emily!” I greeted, trying to sound cheerful. “Come on in, I was just finishing up the cake.”
Emily’s eyes widened as she stepped inside. “Cake? You mean you actually made one? After everything we’ve talked about?”
