Beatrix. Her name hung over me like a shadow, a nightmare I couldn’t shake.
I still didn’t understand how doing one good deed led to a lifetime of debts to Beatrix. I didn't know how my life became burdened by obligations I never asked for.
I made Adeline’s fifth birthday cake with my own hands. She no longer asked why Daddy wasn’t there. She just kissed me with a bright, joyful smile.
“What’s your birthday wish, Sweetie?” I asked, curious.
I thought she’d wish for health, to recover quickly, so she could go to school and play like other children.
"Mom, I wish you to be healthy and happy from now on," Adeline said without hesitation.
I was stunned. "Why do you wish for that?"
She looked at me, her little hand gently brushing my cheek. “Mommy, you've lost so much weight since I got sick,” she said softly, warm and fuzzy.
I kissed the palm of her hand, feeling a surge of love. "I want to get better soon so I can stay with Mommy all the time."
Adeline laughed. "Since I didn’t get a birthday last year, let’s make two wishes! I wish for Mommy to be healthy and happy and for Adeline to get well soon."