Chapter22
It was Chase. Ashley knew from his footsteps alone, because she’d waited for him for eight years. His gait was as steady and composed as he was. Even with his family, he remained calm, almost detached, seemingly unfazed by anything. She’d thought nothing could ruffle him. Then Tanya appeared.
Before she could dwell on the past, she heard Sam call, “Daddy!” Chase’s friends greeted him. Chase responded and said to Tanya, “Happy birthday.”
Tanya smiled. Thanks.”
“Daddy,
you
have other gifts for Aunt Tanya, right? Give them
her!”
Silence fell. Then, one of Chase’s friends chuckled, pinching Sam’s cheek.“Those are private gifts. Let it go, haha!”
The others laughed meaningfully.
Chase said, “I already gave them to her.”
“When?” Sam whined, “You went to see Aunt Tanya without me!”
They all laughed. Ashley remembered Tanya at the office that morning. That was when he her the gifts.
gave
Tanya smiled.“Let’s go upstairs.”
Their footsteps faded. Ashley felt numb, a sharp pain in her chest. She finally snapped out of it, silently entered the elevator, and helped her friend downstairs. Cindy’s room was on the same. floor as Chase’s party. Chase’s friend, Ethan, paused as Ashley helped Cindy into the elevator.
< Chapter23
