Chapter 78 - Lily's Missing Birthday
As Samuel continued reviewing the files, Lily wandered toward a smaller bookshelf near the fireplace.
One thin album rested by itself.
No title.
Only a faded blue ribbon tied around it.
She opened it carefully.
Every page contained photographs.
Not of meetings.
Not of hidden chambers.
Of birthdays.
Her birthdays.
Age seven.
Eight.
Nine.
Ten.
Daniel stepped closer.
"I've never seen these."
Neither had Lily.
Every year showed a small birthday cake.
One candle added annually.
But something was wrong.
Rebecca wasn't in any of them.
Neither was Michael.
Instead, an unknown woman stood just outside the frame, visible only by her hands while lighting candles or handing Lily wrapped gifts.
Lily whispered,
"I don't remember her."
Elias approached quietly.
"You wouldn't."
"You were asleep."
Daniel looked up sharply.
"Asleep?"
"The photographs were taken after doctors administered medication."
Samuel immediately searched the accompanying notes.
Every birthday included the same medical notation.
Sedation completed successfully.
Daniel's hands clenched.
"Who authorized this?"
Elias looked down.
"The signature was forged."
"But someone attended every birthday."
Lily turned the final page.
A birthday photograph taken only weeks before Daniel returned home.
She appeared sitting alone at a table.
No candles.
No cake.
Only one handwritten note beside the picture.
He'll be home soon. Wait a little longer.
Tears silently filled Lily's eyes.
For fifteen years...
May you like
Someone she couldn't remember had continued celebrating her birthdays in secret.
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