« You said that about Christmas and brought candy canes for everyone, Mom. »
« You only turn seven once. »
She smiled, but a moment later, she stared at the birthday balloon above her bed.
« Do you think I’ll have my eighth birthday here too? »
My hand went straight to her blanket.
« You only turn seven once. »
« Let’s get through seven first. »
Alice nodded too easily.
Before she got sick, she’d complained about being tired.
I’d blamed school.