The Birthday Party Where My Mother’s Perfect Image Cracked

hand in mine.

“Are you sure about this, Mama?” she asked.

“I’m sure, baby.”

The hostess looked confused when I gave my name. “I don’t see you on the list.”

“That’s fine. We’re family.”

I walked past her before she could stop me.

The private dining room glowed with candlelight. Fifty people filled the space—family, church friends, my mother’s book club. Lauren continue reading …