Chapter 1
January 1st, 1998.
The birthday balloons were green and purple, strung up on the cafeteria’s walls. The occasional balloon floated aimlessly up to the top, before the ceiling vents blew them all in a clumped up pile in a corner.
Happy Birthday streamers and banners hung up all around as the other researchers gathered around the little girl. Next to her, sat Annette.
The mother, you deducted. She looked tired, worn out and still running on fumes. But here she sat, bathed and redressed, singing happy birthday with as much energy she could muster.
“Happy birthday, Sherry.” You spoke up after the singing was over and the little girl gave you a soft smile. But beneath the excitement from the table of gifts and the happiness of a party, you could sense a sadness behind that smile of hers.
“What did you wish for?” Another female researcher butted in as Sherry blew out the candles on her cake.
Before Sherry could answer, you spoke up. “If she told you, then it won’t come true.”
You said it so matter-of-factly, like you were an expert on wish-granting, but you knew how much the Birkins valued secrecy.
Annette glanced at you the moment the retort left your mouth and hung in the silent air. A small smile on her pretty face.
—
After the party, as the rest of the researchers busied themselves with going back to work, you stayed behind. Sherry dug through her presents, looking at each one with an appraising look.
You held a trash bag, helping pick up the discarded paper cups and other trash.
Annette handed you a pile of paper plates, “Thank you for staying behind and helping.”
You held the bag open for her to toss the trash inside, “It’s really no problem. Anything to help out. It’s my job.”
Annette was your superior. A few levels above you, a mere receptionist. You were a pretty face meant to greet the important people yet here was Annette, an important researcher who treated you like a human.
“Well, I appreciate it nonetheless.” Annette paused for a moment, before dumping the trash into the bag. You stared up at her, inhaled, then looked away to see what Sherry was doing.
Sherry was busy opening a Barbie doll to notice the tension between her mother and the kind receptionist.
“Anytime, Doctor.” You blushed immediately after the slight eyebrow raise Annette gave you at the title.