My son said dinner was canceled, but when I got to the restaurant…

Lewis opened the doors and we entered the hall. The first thing I noticed was the abundance of flowers. White and cream roses, lilies, orchids.

They were everywhere, in tall vases on the tables, in garlands on the walls, even coming down from the ceiling, giving the impression of a blooming garden. The soft light of the crystal chandeliers reflected in the silverware and crystal, creating an almost magical atmosphere. My family’s table was in the center of the room.

It was round, decorated especially lavishly, with a birthday cake in the middle. Wesley sat at the head, wearing a dark gray suit I’d never seen before. Next to him was Cora, in an elegant burgundy dress, with a new necklace around her neck, apparently an anniversary gift.

Thelma and her husband, Reed and Audrey, and a few other people I didn’t know. They didn’t notice us right away. They were too caught up in the toast Wesley was giving.

Something about love overcoming all odds, about family values and mutual support. Lewis led me straight to their table. We walked slowly with dignity.

I could feel the stares of the other visitors, but I paid no attention to them. All my attention was on my family. Reed noticed me first.

His eyes widened in surprise and he jerked as if he wanted to get up, but something stopped him. Then Audrey, who was sitting next to him. She turned pale and tugged on Reed’s sleeve.

Wesley was still talking, not noticing the change in the atmosphere. But then Thelma looked up and her hand holding her glass froze, halfway. One by one they noticed me.

Their faces changed. Surprise, confusion, and then fear. Yes, fear.

They were afraid of the scene, of the scandal, of being embarrassed in front of the other guests. Finally Wesley, sensing the tension, turned around. And that’s why I want to say… His voice trailed off when he saw me.

Lewis stepped forward. I apologize for the intrusion, Mr. Thornberry. His voice was impeccably polite, but with a note of steel.

It seems your mother was a little late for the celebration. I took the liberty of escorting her to your table. There was silence.

A silence so thick you could touch it. All eyes were on us. Mom? Wesley finally squeezed out.

His face was as white as a tablecloth. But you… You said you’d stay home. I changed my mind, I said calmly.

I decided I wanted to congratulate my son and daughter-in-law on thirty years of marriage. It’s an important date. Lewis pulled a chair back for me between Reed and a middle-aged woman I didn’t recognize, apparently one of Cora’s friends.

Thank you, Lewis, I said sitting down. You’ve always been so attentive. Always at your service, Edith, he said with a slight bow.

Then he turned to the others. I’ll have another appetizer brought in, and perhaps a bottle of our best champagne. On the house, of course.

With these words he departed, leaving us in a heavy silence. Wesley was the first to come to his senses. Mom, he began, his voice sounding falsely happy.

What a surprise. We thought you weren’t feeling well. I feel fine, I answered, looking him straight in the eye.

Cora, on the other hand, seems to have recovered surprisingly quickly. Even this morning she had such a high fever. Cora blushed and lowered her eyes.

She was always a bad actress. Ea, I was better by lunchtime, she murmured. Miraculously.

Truly a miracle, I nodded. Especially since Dora Simmons saw you at the supermarket yesterday, perfectly healthy. Thelma set her glass down sharply on the table.

Mom, her voice was taught as a string. Maybe we shouldn’t… Don’t what, dear? I turned to her. Tell the truth? You always taught your son that lying is wrong.

Remember? A waiter came to the table with an extra plate and a bottle of champagne. As he set out plates and glasses, everyone remained silent, smiling strangely. The perfect family.

People who love each other. What a falsity. Grandma, Reed said quietly, leaning toward me as the waiter stepped away.

I didn’t know. I thought you knew about dinner. I know, honey, I replied just as quietly.

Squeezing his hand under the table. It’s not your fault. Wesley coughed, drawing everyone’s attention.

Well, now that we’re all here, he emphasized the word all with a faint note of irritation. Let’s get on with the party. Mom, you’re just in time for dessert.

He made a sign to the waiter and he began to cut the cake. Huge, tiered, with a bride and groom on top. It must have cost a fortune.

What a beautiful cake, I said, taking the plate with a slice. Must be expensive. Not at all, Mom, Wesley said too quickly.

It’s not expensive at all. It’s just a small family party. Nothing fancy.

I looked around at the table with exquisite dishes, crystal glasses, floral arrangements. Yes, I can see how modest it is, I nodded. And how many guests…