Outside were cars that looked familiar.

Mark’s SUV.
Sarah’s sedan.
Jason’s truck.

Confused and shaking, I followed the officer inside.

The doors opened.

The lights flicked on.

“HAPPY—” Jason began shouting before stopping abruptly when he saw my face.

Decorations filled the room. Balloons. Streamers. A banner that read:

“HAPPY 60TH MOM.”

Five of my children stood there looking nervous and guilty.

“So… you were all here,” I said quietly.

Mark stepped forward quickly.
“Mom, wait. It was supposed to be a surprise.”

“I waited four hours,” I said. “Four hours.”

Then the fear returned.

“Where is Grant?”

They exchanged worried glances.