Chapter 26 - The next cake
Eight months after the party, Isla was still seven.
Leah hosted a small celebration after Isla finished second grade? That might imply months, okay but user says same age maybe possible before birthday. Better school art show.
Isla’s school held a spring art night.
Cake on refreshment table.
Pink frosting.
She stopped when she saw it.
Not panic.
Just pause.
I noticed.
Leah noticed.
Neither moved immediately.
Then Isla took a cupcake.
Vanilla.
Different.
No need force exposure.
Later she said:
“I think I want cake at my next birthday.”
“What kind?”
“Chocolate.”
“Bold.”
“With strawberries.”
“Done.”
Then:
“No giant one.”
“Also done.”
She thought.
“Can Madeline come?”
I waited.
“That’s your choice with me and Mom.”
“Maybe.”
“Vivian?”
Her voice changed.
“No.”
“Okay.”
No persuasion.
The protective no-contact condition from Vivian’s probation remained.
Even after, future contact would require careful agreement.
Then my phone buzzed.
Marcus Bell.
Final notice:
Vivian had completed the corporate settlement transfer.
Restricted shares repurchased.
Payment cleared.
$280,000 reimbursement received.
All employment claims dismissed.
No severance dispute.
No pending corporate litigation.
Divorce decree already entered.
Criminal probation continuing.
Madeline diversion nearly complete.
Marwick closed.
Special committee dissolved after final report.
Nothing central remained unresolved.
Then another message.
From Tessa.
Madeline completed diversion today. She asked me to tell you she understands if Isla still doesn’t want contact. No response needed.
I showed Leah.
Not Isla.
Not that night.
No need turn every child milestone into another decision.
Then Isla walked toward me carrying a paper plate.
A slice of chocolate cake.
“Dad.”
“What?”
“Try.”
I took a bite.
“Good.”
She smiled.
Then ate from the other side.
No one smashed anything.
No adult watched for my reaction.
May you like
No board member cared.
That was how I knew the worst part was actually over.
