Chapter228
Ashley helped with preparations, finishing well after eleven o’clock. She woke early the next day. Before breakfast, she joined Steve and others around Grandma Rong, offering birthday wishes and gifts.
Seeing the gift–giving, Sam paused, tugging at Ashley’s sleeve.
Ashley bent down.“What is it?”
Şam’s face was flushed. She whispered, “Mom, I didn’t get a gift…”
She’d only just remembered.“Mom, why didn’t you remind me?”
Ashley replied, “Your father, great–grandmother, and I all prepared gifts. You’re a child; you don’t need to. But if you want to express your feelings next time, remember to get one.” Ashley’s tone was somewhat cold. She hadn’t reminded Sam, it was true. But if she cared, she would have thought to get a gift knowing it was Grandma Rong’s birthday. It didn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. A drawing or a quick trip to a shop yesterday would have been enough. But she hadn’t thought of it at all. Yet, she had remembered Tanya’s birthday, counting down the days. Ashley hadn’t bothered to remind her; she’d already seen how little she cared.
