“I want to say something.” She rolled toward the DJ. “Can I borrow your microphone?”
“Mia…”
“Please.”
The DJ handed it over.
I want to say something.
Her hands were trembling.
“Dear Aunt Donna, I’ve wanted to tell you something important for a long time.”
Donna’s smile disappeared.
“After my accident, I thought nobody would love me because I couldn’t walk. But Mom taught me people don’t leave because someone can’t walk.”
The DJ handed it over.
“That’s right, sweetheart,” I said.
Mia swallowed. “Sometimes they leave because they don’t like how that person treats them.”
“Oh, damn,” someone said.
A few nervous laughs broke through the room.
Donna stared at her.
What Mia said next would unravel far more than my older sister expected.
People don’t leave because someone can’t walk.
My daughter added, “So maybe you don’t need my bouquet. Maybe you need to ask why all your boyfriends keep leaving.”
The ballroom exploded.
People laughed, clapped, and several guests actually stood.
Donna went scarlet. “She’s ten! She doesn’t know anything about my relationships!”
Mia looked straight at her. “I know more than you think.”
What Mia said next would unravel far more.
My smile vanished.
