When the crowd dispersed, they left a cake and a table full of dishes and snacks behind.

Marianne’s eyes were still red, and she was lost in her thoughts as she looked at the table that was full and piled high with dishes.

Charlie looked at her and asked softly, “You’re missing your mother?”

Marianne came back to her senses and nodded gently. A bean-sized tear rolled down her cheek, and she quickly wiped the tear away as she said, “I always miss her so much whenever it’s my birthday...”

Hav