It took at least an hour more when they finally reached home.
Vincent had forgotten what the date was. But when he opened the door, what greeted him, reminded him of what day it was. He gave an ear to ear smile to his loving parents.
"Surprise!", Dolores was holding a chocolate cake with eleven lighted candles.
"Thank you, nana. Now, I'm officially eleven. Almost forgot, darn these meds. They're giving me Alzheimer's", Vicent said rolling his eyes.
"Make a wish and blow the candles", Dolores said giggling.
Vincent was too weak to put off the flames so Anna and Mark helped him. He embraced his parents tightly. "Thank you, mom and dad. I love you so much".
Dolores was smiling at them with tears flowing from her eyes. She's been a help to Mark and Anna for over sixteen years. When Mark and Anna brought Vincent to the house, Dolores saw how happy the two was. She was witness to how Vincent grew up to be a very healthy and smart young boy. Vincent was a bit chubby on most standards, with thick curly hair. Now looking at him, Dolores see but a fragile, almost skin and bone, bald young stranger. It really breaks her heart.
Vincent hugged her and tried to wipe away her tears. "These are tears of joy", Dolores pinched his nose.
"What are we having nana?", Vincent asked her.
"Everything! Your dad was up all night preparing your favorite food. My role today was just to bake, heat, and now eat", answered Dolores cheerfully.
Everything meant: Mark's original fried chicken recipe, bolognese pasta, and Vincent's all-time favorite -- Mac n' three- cheese.
Vincent put a few of everything on his plate. He wanted to show his dad his appreciation for all the efforts he has done for him. Although he doesn't feel like eating, it's the least thing he could do.
"I love how you made this bolognese a bit sweeter dad", Vincent said in between chew.
"Yeah? I made it especially for you bud", Mark beamed.
"This fried chicken is crazy delicious. I don't know what you put on this Mark, but it's just yum", said Dolores munching on a wing. "Anna, why aren't you eating?", she turned to Anna's direction.
"It's ok nana. Watching you guys makes me full already. I'll have a bite later, don't worry", Anna assured Dolores.
Anna recalled the painful discovery that Vincent was allergic to shrimps. He was just seven then, Mark had just developed a mango shrimp salad recipe and wanted her to try it. She told Mark it tasted great and absent-mindedly gave Vincent a bite of the shrimp she impaled on her fork. In just a few minutes, Vincent's face had swollen and he had difficulty breathing. He was immediately rushed to the hospital -- if it was no sooner, it could have been fatal.
Mark watched Vincent eating his birthday meal. It's painful to watch what his son turned into. He remembered the first time he taught him how to swim. He just turned eight then. "Dad it's cold. I'm cold and definitely sinking". He had promised Vincent that he'd never let go and that he'll protect him to keep him safe and warm. "I have to learn this, I need to. I must. So that I can save you or mom if you ever drown. 'Coz I love you. Ok dad?". He learned how to swim that whole day.
"Hey bud, we didn't get you anything. Your mom and I agreed to let you decide what you want. There's no hurry, you can take your time. Just let us know, yeah?", Mark told Vincent.
"Anything? Anything I want?", Vincent asked.
"Anything my little angel wants", Anna replied.
"Anything? Promise?", Vincent asked again. He was staring at his mom and dad directly in the eyes.
Smiling at Vincent, "We promise", responded Anna and Mark together.
"Excuse me, I'll just get the cake. I think it's time for dessert", Dolores interrupted.
Vincent was thinking very hard. He defintely wanted something, but afraid to hurt their feelings. "Can I ask for what I want, now?", he told his parents looking at floor.
"Sure, bud. What's on your mind?", inquired Mark.
Dolores arrived from the kitchen with the tempting chocolate cake. She stood still when she heard what the conversation was about.
"I do want something. But...", Vincent said hesitantly.
"What is it, baby? You can tell us", Anna reassured him.
"I wanna spend my final days with my real parents. I know it's kinda selfish but that's my birthday wish. That's what I want", Vincent said gently almost to himself. He raised his head to see their reaction.
Dolores dropped the cake on the floor. "I'm sorry", and she fled back into the kitchen gasping for air.
Anna clutched Mark's shoulder. She felt a sharp tud in her stomach. Then, another intense pain after another, but couldn't pinpoint where it's coming from; even if she concentrated harder. She held her breath, afraid that she'd fail to hold herself together if she let the air out of her lungs. She gathered all her strength to stand up but something warm enveloped her. It was Mark's embrace. Then she realized she was already crying out loud.
Outside, the moon was bright and full. The crickets had been chirping, nocturnal birds cooing, before the meal had even begun. But the serenity was suddenly interrupted by a sound, an awful sound. Nothing is more painful than the cry of a mother who's about to lose her only child.
