Chapter 20
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When we received confirmation that the prosecutor was proceeding with the case, my whole family breathed a sigh of relief.
We left the remaining details to our lawyer and returned to Madrid.
Though I was far from home, I’d also left behind all the complicated relationships and worries. I could finally exhale.
As days passed, I gradually adjusted to life in Spain.
My parents asked about my future plans one day. I speared a piece of fruit with my fork and fed it to my mom with a wink.
“I’ve been thinking about that too. I’d like to continue my education, but I also want to take some time off and find a job, experience real life. What do you think?”
It was a bit windy in the garden, so Dad grabbed a couple of blankets for us, smiling warmly.
“After your birthday next week, you’ll only be twenty–three. Work will always be there. I’d rather see you free to pursue whatever makes you happy–whether that’s continuing your studies or traveling the world while you’re young.”
Mom nodded in agreement, playfully tapping my head.
“Autumn, your father and I will support whatever you want to do. Take your time deciding. But more importantly, let’s talk about your birthday! Another year older— how do you want to celebrate?”
Birthday?
I thought about how I’d spent my previous twenty–some birthdays, always celebrating with the Caldwells.
This would be my first birthday in Spain, and all sorts of wild ideas popped into my head.
“Since we just moved here, what about a pajama party and inviting the neighbors? Or maybe visiting Aunt Sophia in Iceland–are there Northern Lights this time of year? Though I kind of want to try surfing or skiing too…”
Seeing me fussing over these simple joys, my parents finally relaxed.
They’d had me when they were nearly thirty, and I’d been their precious little girl, pampered and loved. All they ever wanted was for me to be happy.
But they’d been deeply worried about how badly Ryder had hurt me, and had been concerned for months.
Seeing that I’d truly moved on, they were delighted and decided to grant all my wishes.
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11:36 AM Thu 24 Apr
20
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“Let’s do a birthday week celebration! First day we’ll have a party, second day skiing third day we’ll fly to Iceland…”
We were a family of doers. Once we had a plan, we immediately put it into action.
We bought flowers to decorate the garden, prepared food, and sent invitations to
the neighbors.
On my birthday, I woke up to a flood of messages from friends back in Boston.
I thanked each one, scrolling to the bottom to find messages from Mr. and Mrs.
Caldwell.
They’d both sent their wishes exactly at midnight, along with a digital gift card. After hesitating for a few minutes, I thanked them anyway.
The moment I sent my reply, I saw the “typing” indicator.
Soon after, I received a new message.
“Autumn, I know you don’t want to talk about the past, and I don’t want to ruin your special day. So I’ll just wish you a happy birthday, good health, and all the best. Enjoy some extra cake for me!”
I knew that no matter how close our families had once been, after everything that happened, things could never go back to how they were.
But I also understood that people shouldn’t be judged collectively. The mistakes were between Ryder and me, not our parents.
Even though we’d probably never cross paths again, I still had affection for the Caldwells, who had treated me like a daughter since I was little.
So their guilty, conciliatory message did touch my heart.
I accepted the gift and sincerely expressed my gratitude.
“Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell, thank you for your wishes. I’ve always felt your care and love all these years. No matter what happened between me and Ryder, you’ll always be like family to me. I wish you both good health and all the best too.”
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