Patty is my name, and after 90 years, I can confidently say that I have lived a lovely and joyful life. My husband passed away a few years ago, leaving me and my daughter, Angie, alone.

I remember being overjoyed about my 90th birthday party. My daughter agreed to come to see me and spend the day with me and my grandchildren.

When I saw my grandchildren, my heart was constantly affected. It took me back to the days when my husband and I were raising Angie. My grandchildren reminded me a lot of my daughter, and they also looked a lot like her.

They were, however, strikingly similar to their father and Angie’s ex-husband, John. I liked John a lot, so the news that they were divorcing broke my heart.

John was the closest I’d ever come to having a son. He was gentle and had a good heart. To this day, he writes to me every Christmas. I wish he and Angie could have made things work, but that’s life.

My birthday had finally arrived, and I was ecstatic. But as the day went on, I became apprehensive. It was nearly midday and I still hadn’t heard from Angie. I called her several times but she never answered.

I tried calling Angie again, but this time it went straight to voicemail. I thought she wouldn’t be able to respond since she was driving. But, as time passed, I realized that, like so many other days, I would be spending this day alone.

«You’re too kind.» Would you like to join me for dinner?»

Finally, the doorbell rang. If my knees hadn’t been in such bad shape, I would have jumped up at that exact moment. I hadn’t seen Angie and the kids in a long time, so this was the perfect birthday present.

My heart dropped to my stomach as I approached my glass door and saw the manly form on the other side. When I opened the door, John was standing on the other side with flowers and gifts.

«Ma, Happy Belated Birthday!» John said with a pleasant smile.

«John?! Oh, wow! «You didn’t have to,» I chirped.

«I simply wanted to bring you a little present to celebrate you on this lovely day,» John said.

«Does it resemble my favorite chocolate?» Oh, wow! «Did you recall?» I replied, trying to hide my flushed cheeks.

«How could I possibly have forgotten?» You wouldn’t eat anything else!» John remarked with a chuckle

«You’re too kind. «Would you like to join me for dinner?» I inquired, ushering him in.

«Oh, no. I wouldn’t want to bother you. I’m sure you’ve had plans. » I just wanted to see your lovely self and drop off your gifts,» John said modestly.

«Nonsense! I have nothing scheduled and would appreciate the companionship. «I’m also making apple pie,» I stated.

«An apple pie?» «Well, you should’ve started with that,» John said as he walked in.

Another aspect of John that I admired was his culinary abilities. This reminded me of my late wife, who was also a fantastic cook. That day, John and I cooked up a storm. He insisted on doing most of the work, and I was just grateful for the company. As we sat down for dinner, John inquired about Angie.

«Vacation? And she kept it hidden? She simply stood up and walked away. «Why would she do anything like that?»

«Are Angie and the kids coming with us?» I wouldn’t want her to think I was stalking her or anything. I had no intention of sticking around. But I’m pleased I did,» said John.

«Nonsense! We are related since you are the father of my grandchildren.» And I don’t think Angie will be joining us today,» “Dejectedly,” I said.

«I’m very sorry to hear that. «You shouldn’t be celebrating your birthday by yourself,» John pointed out.

«Well, due to you, son, I’m not,» I said as I clasped his in mine. «Thank you very much, John,» I said.

«Don’t be concerned. If you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t she show up? Or, at a minimum, the children. I was expecting them to show up. «They like spending time with you,» John added.

«They were all supposed to show up, but Angie hasn’t returned my calls.» «I honestly don’t know what happened, but I’m confident she’ll contact me,» I said.

«I’m not sure what she’s up to, but the very least she could do is drop the kids off.» «I’ll call her,» John urged.

John phoned Angie, and to my amazement, she answered. John would eventually explain why my daughter had dumped me on my birthday.

«So, it turns out Angie, her new boyfriend, and the kids are all on vacation,» John lamented.

«Vacation? And she kept it hidden? She simply stood up and walked away. «Why would she do anything like that?» I was curious.

«Your guess is as good as mine, Patty.» How does she manage to abandon my children without informing me?» John responded.

«Oh, no. This is quite upsetting. And who exactly is this person? «I didn’t realize Angie had a boyfriend!» I was perplexed and exclaimed.

«She’d mentioned it in passing, but an entire vacation?! And they’d allegedly been planning it for a month. Excuse me, Patty, but I believe your daughter has gone too far this time,» John complained.

«Yes, this is disappointing,» I said ruefully.

This news really caught me off guard and pierced my heart. Angie could have at least informed me that she wouldn’t be present.

I subsequently spoke with Angie, and she promised to come to see me with the kids as soon as possible. She didn’t want to bother me, but the harm had already been done. I will always love her as my daughter, but I was very saddened.

I’m glad John was there to take the edge off. But what my daughter did really saddened me. I’m not sure how to trust her right now. In this case, what should I do?