Cherish Me, Daddy
All of them.
I started to sing a lopsided version of the birthday song to myself, “Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday, happy birthday… happy birthday to me…” Tears welled, sliding down my cheeks between each sob.
“…it’s fine,” I whispered to myself, forcing a smile. Dad’s still recovering. They’re busy. It’s fine. It’s... My vision blurred. “…it’s fine,” I repeated, but my voice cracked this time. Another tear slipped down before I could stop it. Then another. I wiped them away quickly.