I was bustling about the kitchen while Margaret Thompson carefully smoothed the trembling napkin beneath the vase of roses and checked the clock again. Less than an hour remained before the guests arrived, and she still couldnt seem to settle down. A 60th birthday was a big deal; she wanted everything to be flawless.
Emily, are you almost done? she called toward the kitchen, where the clatter of plates could be heard.
Yes, Mum, just finishing the salads! her daughter replied. Could you check on Simon? He said hed pop out for some fizzy water.
Margaret sighed and headed for her soninlaws room. After ten years under the same roof she still hadnt grown accustomed to his laidback pace. Everything with him was in a minute or just getting there. As usual, Simon was glued to his laptop, scrolling through something on the screen.
Simon, you were supposed to go to the shop, Margaret said, trying to keep her tone gentle, though irritation slipped through.
Right, right, Im about to step out, he muttered without even looking up, clicking the mouse.
The guests will be here any moment.
Ill be back, dont worry.
She left the room, teeth clenched. Same old story. If Emily hadnt been around, she would have already told Simon to get out the door. Ten years together and nothing changed. He kept promising to save for his own flat, but those promises never seemed to reach a conclusion. At least they had a granddaughter Poppy, the only bright spot for the old lady.
Grandma, is the cake coming? the twelveyearold asked as if she could read Margarets thoughts.
Yes, love, it will be. Your dad is supposed to pick it up from the bakery.
Poppy frowned. Do you think hell remember? Yesterday he missed my swimming lesson even though he promised to give me a lift.
Margaret stroked the girls hair. Dont worry, Ill remind him. Now go and put on that lovely dress we bought last week.
When Poppy disappeared upstairs, Margaret returned to Simons room. Dont forget the cake, love. I ordered it from The Sweet Corner on High Street.
Got it, got it, he waved off. First the fizzy water, then the cake. Itll be perfect.
Fifteen minutes later Simon finally rose, slipped on his coat, and headed for the door.
Simon, did you take the money for the cake? Margaret called.
Its not paid for yet? he stopped in the doorway.
No, I only paid a deposit. The balance is due on collection.
Emily peeked out of the kitchen, a towel in hand. Mum, my cards on the table. Grab it, please. Simons always short on cash, she said with an apologetic smile.
Simons finances were always tight, but Margaret kept quiet. She didnt want the celebration to start on a sour note. She pulled the required amount from her purse and handed it to him.
Dont be late, she warned. And dont forget the fizzy water!
After Simon shut the door behind him, Margaret went back to setting the table. Everything had to be immaculate. Not only family would be there, but also former colleagues from the school where shed taught English and literature for thirtyfive years. Shed retired five years ago and didnt want to fade into the background.
Dont fret, Mum, Emily said, hugging her shoulders. Everything will be fine.
Im not worrying, Margaret replied, a hint of a lie in her voice. I just want it to be proper.
Emily nodded understandingly. It will, Mum. Youre the best hostess I know.
The doorbell rang. First to arrive were Margarets brother George and his wife Helen.
Happy birthday, Val! Helen kissed her cheeks and handed over a large gift bag. You look wonderful! Sixty is the new forty!
Thank you, dears, Margaret said, touched. Come in, make yourselves at home.
Soon more guests streamed in two former teachers, Mrs. Clarke and her husband, a cousin from the suburbs. The flat filled with chatter, laughter, and congratulations. Yet Simon still hadnt returned.
Emily, could you give him a call? Margaret whispered as the guests settled at the table. Hes running late.
Emily slipped away with her phone, returned with a strained smile. Hes on his way, Mum. Said there was a queue at the shop.
Margaret only shook her head. She knew all too well the queues excuse. He was probably stuck with friends or lost in his phone.
Well then, lets not wait any longer, she said, trying to sound upbeat. Lets start the feast!
The guests dug in happily. Margarets cooking was superb; the spread boasted all the classics a proper Olivier salad, jellied fish, beef à la française, her own pickled mushrooms, stuffed peppers, the whole lot.
Time passed, and Simon was still missing. Emily had already gone out a few times to ask her husband, each time returning more anxious. Margaret saw her daughters worry and tried to distract the guests with conversation.
Do you remember our trip to Brighton? Tamara, a friend, recalled cheerfully. Back when the union gave us holidays?
How could I forget! You were with the swimming instructor, werent you? Margaret laughed.
Shh, stop it! Tamara giggled. George still gets jealous!
Laughter bubbled, and for a moment Margaret forgot her own nerves. Then a loud knock sounded at the hall.
Finally! Emily shouted, hurrying to answer.
From the corridor came muffled voices, and Emily returned pale.
Mum, can I have a word?
Margaret excused herself from the guests and stepped into the hallway. A stranger stood there holding a large box.
Good afternoon, Im from The Sweet Corner. Did you order a cake?
Yes, Margaret replied, bewildered. Hasnt Simon collected it?
No, were closing soon and the order was never picked up. I thought Id deliver it myself since I have the address. A celebration needs its cake.
A lump rose in Margarets throat. Where was Simon? What had happened to him?
Thank you ever so much, she said, reaching for her wallet. How much do I owe?
After paying the courier and placing the cake on the kitchen counter, Margaret turned to Emily.
Wheres your husband?
I dont know, Mum, Emilys eyes welled. His phones been silent for half an hour.
Alright, Margaret steadied herself. Go mingle, Ill sort the cake.
When Emily disappeared, Margaret sank heavily onto a stool. Ten years of Simons unreliability, his endless promises, had weighed on her. Shed kept quiet for Emily and Poppys sake, but today hed crossed the line.
Summoning her resolve, she lifted the beautiful sponge cake, adorned with cream roses and the inscription Happy Birthday! and moved it to a serving platter. At that moment Poppy peeked into the kitchen.
Mum, wheres Daddy?
I dont know, love, Margaret answered honestly. But look at this cake!
Poppys eyes lit up. Can I carry it to the lounge?
Sure, just be careful.
The little girl took the platter, stuck out her tongue in concentration, and trotted into the living room. Margaret followed, ready to catch it if needed. Poppy managed perfectly; the cake arrived on the table to a chorus of delighted gasps.
Now, dear Margaret, the neighbours husband announced, raising his glass, let me toast you on this wonderful milestone
A sudden slam of the front door interrupted him. Simon stumbled in, reeking of alcohol.
Here I am! he declared cheerfully. Happy celebrations, everyone!
An awkward silence fell. Margaret felt a chill as she saw the pain in Emilys eyes.
Simon, Emily whispered, where have you been?
Whats it to you? he shrugged, heading for the table. Met a mate, had a few drinks and look, the cakes already here! See? Ive sorted it!
The cake was delivered by the bakery, Margaret said icily. Because you didnt pick it up.
Whatever, Simon plonked onto a vacant chair. Im here now, so lets drink!
The guests exchanged uneasy glances. The festive mood was ruined. Someone coughed delicately, Tamara began gathering her purse, clearly ready to leave.
Thank you, everyone, for coming, Margaret announced loudly, standing from behind the table. I truly appreciate you sharing this day with me. I have an announcement to make.
All fell silent, even Simon ceased reaching for the bottle.
For ten years my daughter and soninlaw have lived in my flat, I never interfered in their marriage, she said, each word a struggle but spoken firmly. I endured disrespect, unreliability, and lazinessfor Emilys and Poppys sake. But today is my birthday, and Im giving myself a gift.
She turned to Simon.
Simon, from tomorrow youre no longer living here. You have 24 hours to pack your things and find somewhere else.
What? You cant
I can, Margaret replied calmly. This is my home, and I decide who lives in it.
Emily! Simon shouted, turning to his wife. Say something to your mother!
Emily lowered her eyes, her fingers whiteknuckled around the napkin.
Mum, are you sure? she asked quietly.
Absolutely, Margaret nodded. Its decided.
Fine, go on then! Simon slammed his fist on the table, rattling the cutlery. Ill leave, my feet wont be on this floor any longer!
He rose abruptly, nearly toppling his chair, staggered to the door, and with a clatter the front door slammed shut. A brief silence settled, broken only by Poppys small voice.
Can I have the cake now?
Everyone laughed nervously, the tension easing a touch. Margaret began slicing the cake, trying to hide the tremor in her hands. She wasnt sure if shed done the right thing, but she felt there was no other way. That birthday cake truly put an end to things with her soninlaw.
Guests gradually drifted out, understanding the evening was over. Soon only Margaret, Emily, and Poppy remained in the flat.
Mum, Emily said softly as they stood alone in the kitchen, I need to tell you something
No need to say anything, love. I understand.
No, you dont, Emily shook her head. Ive wanted a divorce for ages but was scared youd object. What would you sayaccept it, or what?
Margaret embraced her daughter. Silly girl, I can see how youre suffering. Poppy sees it too. She needs a happy mum, not a pretended family.
But what now? Emily whispered, clinging to her mother like a child.
Everything will be alright, Margaret assured. Well manage together.
By evening Simon returned, sober and quiet, packing his belongings while casting pleading glances at Emily. She remained resolute; a decade of empty promises had hardened her heart.
Maybe you could hand me the TV? he muttered, zipping his suitcase. I bought it.
On my dime, Emily replied evenly. Just go, Simon. Just go.
When the door finally closed behind him, Margaret pulled Emily into a hug.
You know, Ive saved a little, she said. Enough for a deposit on a flat for you and Poppy. The rest you could mortgage youre now head of your department, the bank will back you.
Emily stared, eyes wide. Are you serious? I thought wed keep living together
Well stay until you have your own place, Margaret smiled. Then Ill pop over for tea whenever you need. Maybe bring a friend along
Mum!
At thirtyfive you can still have a baby brother or sister for Poppy, Margaret chuckled. Just choose a good partner this time.
Emily laughed through tears. Youre impossible!
I just want you both happy, Margaret said earnestly. And you know, this birthday turned out better than I expected. Its the start of a new life.
They stood in the kitchen, arms around each other, while outside the sun set on the old chapter. On the table lay an untouched slice of the celebratory cake, its cream roses spelling Happy Birthday! a cake that truly marked the end.
Six months later Emily and Poppy moved into a cosy twobedroom flat in a new development. Margaret visited often, helping with repairs and offering decorating tips. A year after that, a new physics teacher, Sergei Chapman, appeared at her door with a bouquet of daisies and theatre tickets.
Colleagues say you love Chekhov, he said shyly. The theatre is showing The Cherry Orchard this week
Margaret smiled and welcomed him in. Come in, Sergei. I was just about to have tea with the cake. Join us?
