restrictions - dm au

5:

Dad spent his first night in the hospital. He couldn't breathe at all last night. I didn't go to school today. I've stayed in bed. I haven't eaten anything, it makes me too sick to know he's suffering in the hospital. Mom says it's good I've been eating less. Maybe she's right, I've gained some weight.

♡
July 1st, 2011
The Rumfallo's Backyard

"Happy Birthday to you (CHA CHA CHA!), Happy Birthday to you (CHA CHA CHA!), Happy Birthday dear Brynn, Happy Birthday to you (CHA CHA CHA!)!" everyone sang, and then clapped.

It was my ninth birthday, I'd invited all the girls in my grade. It was super fun. Dad had me pick out my cake, and I'd decided on a pink and white frosting-covered Cookies 'n Cream ice cream cake. In lavender letters, it said "Happy 9th Birthday, Brynn!" And the best part, was the extra layer of fudge on the bottom of the cake.

I got the first slice, so I picked the part in the corner with the pink flowers. I was so excited. Dad placed it on my plate, as all the girls who were invited looked in awe of how pretty the cake was. As everyone got their slice, we sat down on the grass and ate together, while I started to open presents. I got a bunch of small gifts from my friends, and Mom got me some expensive jewelry. All my friends were oohing and ahhing at it.

Finally, I was curious if Dad got me anything. Usually him and Mom give me separate presents.

"Now, Brynn," Dad said, coming into the backyard. No gift box was in his hands. "I have a special present for you. So all of you can come to the living room and see it."

I got up to go follow my dad into the living room, and my friends let me lead them. When I came inside, at first I didn't notice anything. Then I looked at the table across from the TV. I saw a hamster in a hamster cage!

Immediately, my friends and I rushed over to the cage. Dad smiled as I took the hamster out.

"You get to name it," he told me. "It's a boy, by the way."

"I want to name it..." My friends were shouting name suggestions at me. But I finally had a name in mind. "French Toast!"

♡

Kenzie came and sat at at our lunch table again. We've been doing the same thing every time. She comes to sit with me, and there's no talking between the two of us. I usually end up not eating any of my lunch, and Kenzie notices.

"I'm sick of your crap," Kenzie said. I didn't look at her. "Do you want me to sit here or not? You obviously don't want me around so just say it! Talk to me! I've put up with this every day, and it's pissing me off to say the least, Brynn."

"My dad has stage 3 thyroid cancer," I said immediately, finally making eye contact with Kenzie. She froze for a few seconds, her angry, narrowed eyes turned into shocked, wide eyes. She put her hand over mine, and grasped it. We sat there again.