I shut the door. “You really came.” I didn’t think she could, since she was just released from the hospital today. She rests her crutches against the table. “I wanted it to be a birthday surprise.” She tosses her hands up. “Surprise!” It overwhelms me again. “It’s the best surprise.” Finally seeing her means the world to me. Glitter coats her cheeks, but I still spot yellow blemishes beneath the makeup. It’s almost been a week, and she’s still bruised.
