Chapter 105: The Birthday Crashers

"It's my birthday, and I want to die," Byron groaned as he struggled out of bed in the morning.

Emily was horrified for a moment. "Don't say that!"

"Oh, sorry, I don't mean literally," he corrected, "I promised I would tell you if I ever felt suicidal again."

"And you haven't?" she asked tensely.

"Not yet. I just don't want to celebrate growing older."

Emily got up too and searched her dresser for some clothes fit for the occasion. She wanted nothing too dressy, but something casual yet fun. She chose a flouncy yellow blouse with a white skirt.

"We don't have to celebrate much," she said. "Maybe just have a nice dinner, watch a movie."

But their plans were derailed when the doorbell rang that afternoon and Sylvia showed up with a big strawberry cake.

Emily regretted not making an escape plan since Byron clearly didn't want his birthday to be a big deal, but now it was too late. Byron was very sweet, though.

"Thanks for coming over, mom," he said, "and for giving birth to me