When she arrived, the garden looked familiar and different.

The rosebushes were blooming.

There were no hired photographers, no elaborate table settings, and no guests pretending not to notice the boy’s discomfort.

Adam had organized a simple birthday with classmates, cake, and games on the lawn.

Idan saw Clara at the gate and ran to her.

“You came!”

“Of course I did.”

He held her hand so tightly that she could feel his excitement through his fingers.