Chapter 9: The Last Birthday

A week later, Catherine insisted on leaving the hospital for one day.

"Mrs. Frost, your condition is unstable," Dr. Emily Carter warned.

"You should stay here."

Catherine smiled gently.

"Tomorrow is Laura's birthday."

"I promised her I'd celebrate it with her."

Seeing the determination in her eyes, Dr. Carter finally nodded.

"Just one day."

"Thank you."

James drove Catherine and Laura back to their apartment.

Although Catherine looked extremely weak, her face was filled with peace.

She had only one wish left.

To give Laura one unforgettable birthday.

That afternoon, James quietly decorated the apartment.

He hung colorful balloons across the walls.

He carefully placed ribbons around the windows.

For the first time in his life...

He personally baked a birthday cake.

It wasn't perfect.

The frosting was uneven.

The words 'Happy Birthday, Laura' were crooked.

Laura laughed happily the moment she saw it.

"Daddy made this?"

"I did," James admitted with an embarrassed smile.

"It's beautiful!" Laura said.

"It's the best cake ever."

James looked at Catherine.

She smiled quietly.

For years, this was all she had wanted.

A father celebrating his daughter's birthday.

As evening arrived, the three of them sat together around the dining table.

Laura closed her eyes before blowing out the candles.

"What did you wish for?" James asked.

Laura grinned.

"If I tell you, it won't come true."

Catherine gently laughed.

"That's right."

After dinner, Catherine handed Laura a beautifully wrapped gift box.

"Open it tomorrow morning," she said.

"Not tonight."

"Okay!" Laura nodded obediently.

Once Laura had fallen asleep, Catherine quietly walked onto the balcony.

James followed her.

"You're exhausted," he said.

"You should rest."

"There's something I still need to do."

She handed him a large envelope.

"Inside are letters."

"One for every important moment in Laura's life."

"Her first day of middle school."

"Her graduation."

"Her wedding."

"Even the day she becomes a mother."

"If I'm no longer here..."

"Please give them to her."

James accepted the envelope with trembling hands.

"I promise."

"There's also my diary."

"Don't let Laura read it until she's an adult."

"Some memories are too painful for a child."

James nodded silently.

"Catherine..."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For giving me Laura."

"For never teaching her to hate me."

Catherine looked up at the stars.

"Children shouldn't carry their parents' bitterness."

"Laura deserves happiness."

"Even if I couldn't have it."

James lowered his head.

Tears slowly rolled down his face.

"I'm sorry."

"I know," Catherine whispered.

"That's enough now."

The following morning, Laura excitedly opened her present.

Inside was a small silver necklace.

Attached to it was a handwritten note.

"My precious Laura,"

"Whenever you miss Mommy, hold this necklace close to your heart."

"Love never disappears."

"It simply changes into memories."

"I'll always be watching over you."

"Love, Mom."

Laura looked up happily.

"Mom, why are you writing me letters?"

Catherine smiled through her tears.

"Because..."

"Even when Mommy isn't beside you someday..."

"You'll always know how much I love you."

Laura hugged her tightly.

"You'll always be with me."

"Right?"

Catherine closed her eyes for a moment.

"Always."

James quietly turned away.

Unable to stop the tears anymore.

Deep inside...

He knew this birthday...

Would be the last one they would ever celebrate together.