Olivia, Richard’s mother, folded a napkin into a square and placed it beside her plate.

Forty-seven guests filled the backyard of the rented house with folding chairs, paper plates, children moving between adults, and conversations that rose and fell without anyone paying close attention.

Vanessa stood near the drink table, laughing at something on her phone.

Her phone was pointed toward the yard.

Maya noticed it, then reached for another tray.

“Vanessa, could you put that away for Lily’s birthday?”

Vanessa lowered the phone.

“I was taking pictures.”

“Then take pictures of Lily.”

Vanessa laughed again.

“Of course.”

Julian Sterling stood near the fence with Thomas Reed.

Julian removed his reading glasses and cleaned one lens with the corner of a handkerchief.

Thomas watched Maya carry the second tray toward the tables.