Emma Orfea Valdez.
Youngest and the only daughter in the Valdez clan in over a century. Fitting her name, she was the entire universe of the Valdez family. She made them whole, she shed light on the darkness they possessed. She was joy and they were...
1. When a sentence is written in italics with quotation marks at the beginning and end of the sentence then it means it has been signed rather than said out loud.
E.g. "Are you sure?"
2. When a sentence is written in italics with single quotation marks at the beginning and end of the sentence then it means it has been written or typed on phone.
E.g. 'Are you sure?'
3. When a sentence is written in italics with no quotation marks at the beginning or end of the sentence then it means it is an internal thought.
E.g. He doesn't know anything.
****The first two points will be required frequently since our fl is mute and communicates through sign language or by typing or writing out her words.
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"Good morning, sweetheart, happy birthday!" The joy in the mother's eyes were not matched by her daughter's. She entered the kitchen, a slight pout pulled at her lips as she took her seat, "Thank you," she sulked.
"Pancakes with maple syrup, strawberry, blueberry and a scoop of ice cream. Specially for the birthday girl," the mother placed a large plate of pancakes in front of the little girl, smiling wide, "Although, you can also have ice cream for breakfast. You're a big girl now, seven! I think we can make some exceptions."
The girl hummed, her eyes focused on the pancakes she kept playing with.
Noticing that something is wrong, the mother pulled a chair out and took a seat opposite the little girl.
"What's wrong, Emma?" She asked, eyes clouded in concern, "Aren't you happy to be turning seven today?"
The little girl lifted her head, revealing her sad eyes and pouted lips, "Dad didn't wish me last night."
The mother inhaled deeply as a sharp pang hit her chest. She held back tears as she was forced to come to terms with what she has been trying to avoid all morning.
This is the first milestone in their life without them, her daughter's first birthday without her dad and brothers.
And there were many more to come.
"He always wishes me first, but he didn't call last night," Emma continued, "Even Sabby and Nick didn't call."
"Oh, my darling," she looked for ways to pacify her little girl, to prevent her little heart from breaking, "I'm sure they just forgot, baby. You know your dad and brothers has been so busy lately. They will feel so guilty when they remember, you'll see, they'll call right away and apologize and wish Emma the biggest happy birthday ever."
