We werent expecting you, said Emily, opening the door on my birthday.
Why do you always meddle in my life? Her voice was sharp with irritation. Im thirty-seven, Mum, a grown woman!
Meddle? Margaret spread her hands helplessly. I only asked why you and James split up. Im your motherits my job to worry.
No, your job is to be my mother, not a detective, Emily turned to the window. I have my own life. My own reasons.
Margaret sighed, carefully folding the half-finished scarf into her bag. Another conversation with her daughter that had gone nowhere. It was like a wall between them, growing taller every year.
Alright, I wont ask again, she said, trying to smooth things over. I just thought you two got on so well
Mum! Emily spun around. Can we drop it? Lets not ruin our one family dinner this month.
Margaret nodded and fell silent. She visited less and less these daysEmily was always busy with work, friends, the gym, some new course. No time left for her mother.
Leaving her daughters flat that evening, Margaret felt lonelier than ever. Her sixtieth was in a week, and she had no one to celebrate with. Her husband had passed three years ago, old friends had scattered, and Emily was wrapped up in her own world. Maybe it wasnt worth making a fuss.
But at home, flipping through old photos, she found one of little Emily blowing out candles on a cake, eyes sparkling with joy. Back then, Margaret had been a struggling accountant, barely making ends meet, but shed always scraped together a birthday partycake, presents, friends.
My birthdays in a week, she thought, and even my daughters forgotten. Should I remind her?
She reached for the phone, then stopped. No. If Emily had forgotten, so be it. What did it matter, turning fifty-nine or sixty? Just numbers on a calendar.
But the thought nagged. A few days later, she gave in and called.
Hi, Mum, Emilys voice was distracted, as if she was multitasking. Everything alright?
Yes, fine, Margaret hesitated. Just wanted to say my birthdays on Saturday. Sixty.
Oh, really? A flicker of surprise. Completely slipped my mind. Works been mad
Its fine, Margaret said quickly. Just thought Id mention it.
Sorry, Mum, Emilys tone softened. Ill try to swing by, even if its just for an hour. Around five?
Of course, love, Margaret brightened. Ill bake your favouriteblackberry pie.
Perfect. Gotta run, talk later.
Hanging up, Margaret felt a rush of energy. She hadnt been forgotten after all. Maybe there was hope for them yet.
Saturday was unseasonably sunny for April. Margaret woke early, tidied the house, baked the pie, even popped to the hairdressers for a trim. She bought a nice bottle of wine, Emilys favourite cheese, fresh fruit. She wanted the evening to feel special, warmmaybe even bridge the distance between them.
But by five, Emily hadnt arrived. Nor by six. Margaret called, but her daughters phone was off.
Probably stuck at work, she thought, glancing at the clock. Or traffics terrible.
By seven, she tried again. Still no answer. Now she was properly worried. What if something had happened? Her mind racedcar crash, burglary, sudden illness
Finally, she caved and took a taxi to Emilys. Maybe her daughter had just forgotten. Or mixed up the days. With her hectic schedule, it wouldnt be surprising.
Pulling up, Margaret spotted several cars outsideone looked like Emilys. So she *was* home. No disaster, just forgotten? Or changed her mind without telling her?
Heart heavy, she climbed to the third floor and rang the bell. No answer at first, then footsteps. The door swung open.
Emily stood theredressed up, hair done, makeup flawless. Behind her, shadows moved, laughter spilled out.
Mum? She blinked in surprise. We werent expecting you
Margaret froze, clutching the bouquet shed bought herselfa small comfort for a lonely celebration.
II got worried, she stammered. You didnt come, didnt answer
A man appeared behind Emilytall, neatly bearded, in a crisp shirt. She hadnt seen him before.
Em, whos? He spotted Margaret. Oh, hello!
This is my mum, Emily turned to him, then back. Mum, this is Daniel. Were seeing each other.
Lovely to meet you, Margaret said mechanically, shaking his hand.
Daniel smiled warmly. Emilys told me so much about you.
From inside, a womans voice called, Em, hurry up! The pastas getting cold!
Coming! Emily shouted, then winced at her mother. Weve got a little gathering. I completely forgot about our plansIm so sorry.
Margaret felt a lump rise in her throat. On her birthday, her daughter was hosting friends, having forgotten all about her.
Its fine, she forced a smile. Ill go. Dont want to intrude.
Dont be silly, Emily frowned. Since youre here, come in. Meet everyone.
Margaret stepped inside, uneasy. The flat buzzed with chatter, clinking glasses.
Were rehearsing a surprise for Sophie, Emily explained, taking her coat. Her birthdays next week.
*And mine is today*, Margaret thought but stayed silent. Why spoil Emilys evening? She had her own life.
The kitchen was fulltwo women around Emilys age, another man. They were laughing over some script, props scattered on the table.
Everyone, this is my mum, Emily announced. Mum, this is Lucy, Rachel, and Tom.
Hello! They chorused.
Margaret nodded, feeling out of place. She didnt belong here.
Mum, hungry? Emily asked. Weve got seafood pasta. Daniels a hobby chef.
No, no, Ive eaten, Margaret retreated. I should go.
Stay for tea, at least, Daniel insisted. Weve got cake.
She spotted itchocolate ganache, elegant. Not a sixty-candle affair. Not for her.
Thank you, but I really must be off, she turned to Emily. A word?
In the hallway, Margaret pulled an envelope from her bag.
For your new coat. You mentioned wanting one.
Mum, you dont have to
Take it. Please.
Emily pocketed it reluctantly. Thanks. But you shouldnt.
Margaret smiled tightly. Have fun.
Wait Emily frowned. Why *did* you come? Is something wrong?
Margaret froze. Did she really not remember? Or was she pretending?
Its my birthday, love, she said softly. Sixty. You promised to come at five.
Emilys face drained. Shock, guilt, horror flickered across it.
Oh my God, she whispered. Mum, Im *so* sorry! With Sophies party prep, it justslipped!
Margaret shrugged, feigning nonchalance. Just another day.
Its *not*! Emily grabbed her hands. A milestone! And IGod, Im terrible!
She dashed to the kitchen. Margaret heard frantic whispers, then gasps.
A minute later, Emily returned, the others trailing behind.
Margaret, Daniel said solemnly, wed love you to join us for an impromptu birthday dinner.
Yes! Lucy chimed in. Well rearrange!
Oh, no, dont trouble
No trouble, Emily cut in. Mum, stay. Were celebrating *you*.
Before she knew it, Margaret was seated, champagne poured.
Right, Rachel said briskly. Cakes sorted. Candleswe can use the tea lights, Em?
On it! Emily darted off.
Daniel raised his glass. Margaret, Ive known you five minutes, but I can already tell youre brilliant. Now I see where Emily gets her warmth. Happy birthday! Health, joy, many more years.
And may your daughter *remember* next time, Tom added, earning an elbow from Emily.
She returned with candles. However many fit!
Presents? Lucy panicked. We dont have one!
Emilys eyes lit up. I do! She vanished, returning with a lacquered jewellery box. For you, Mum. I bought it last weekit suits you better.
Margaret took it, touched. Thank you, darling. You shouldnt have.
I should, Emily said firmly. And Im sorry. Im a rubbish daughter.
Nonsense. Just busy.
Thats no excuse, Emily shook her head. Forgetting my own mothers birthday
Back to celebrating, Daniel interjected. Margaret, Emily says you knit?
Oh, just bits and bobs.
Could you make me a jumper? Tom blurted. My gran used to, but she moved away. I miss them.
Of course, Margaret smiled. If Emily doesnt mind.
Mind? Her jumpers are *art*, Emily grinned.
The evening turned warm, lively. The young ones asked about her youth, her job, genuinely listened. Emily dug out photo albumsbaby pictures, holidays, laughter.
Heres us at the seaside, Emily pointed. First time I saw the ocean. Remember, Mum?
How could I forget? Margaret chuckled. You refused to leave, convinced itd vanish overnight.
I was a weird kid, Emily laughed.
A *wonderful* kid, Margaret corrected.
Daniel drove her home past midnight, Emily in tow.
Mum, want me to stay? Emily offered at the door. Chat a bit?
Another time, love, Margaret patted her hand. Im knackered. Go back to your friends.
Theyve probably left, Emily waved it off. I *want* to stay. Ive missed this.
In the cosy kitchen, they ate blackberry pie with tea.
Mum Im *really* sorry, Emily said quietly.
Its fine
Its *not*. Ive been awful. Too wrapped up in my own life.
Margaret squeezed her hand. Youve got a lot on.
Not an excuse, Emilys eyes glistened. Youre my mum. The only person I can talk to *properly*.
They talked till dawnJames (not ready for commitment), Daniel (met in a bookshop, reaching for the same novel), Emilys dream of opening a design studio. Margaret listened, advised, just like when Emily was a teen sharing secrets.
Three days later, Emily returnedwith cake, flowers, and a proper gift: a holiday to Cornwall, just the two of them.
Remember our seaside trips when I was little? Emily grinned as Margaret gaped at the tickets. Now its my turn to treat *you*.
You dont have to
I *want* to, Emily said firmly. Youve done so much for me. My turn now.
Over tea and cake, they made plans. And Margaret thought: sometimes you *have* to show up uninvitedjust to remind them youre there.
And even if they werent expecting you it doesnt mean theyre not glad you came.
