She picked up after a few rings, sounding perfectly awake. Perfectly calm.
“Oh,” she said lightly. “You’re finally up.”
“Where is my daughter?” I asked. I was barely breathing. “Where’s Nana?”
“With us,” she replied like it was obvious. “It’s her birthday. Of course she’s with family.”
My knees almost gave out. “You took her? While I was asleep? Without telling me?!”
She sighed, long and dramatic. “Miya, you were exhausted. We didn’t want to wake you up in that state.”
“In that state?” My voice rose. “You had no right! She’s my child.”
“Hanabi and Gusion organized something special,” she continued, ignoring me. “A real party. Balloons, performers, hundred of kids. Not some pathetic dolphin show. Pff! She’s smiling so much. You should be grateful someone is finally doing this properly.”
My fingers dug into my palm. “Give me the phone. Let me talk to her. Right now.”
There was a pause. Then a soft laugh.
“Don’t ruin her mood, daughter,” my mother said. “She’s happy. For once. Don't be a killjoy like you always used to be."
“Killjoy?” I choked. “I am here real mother! Do you even hear yourself?”