Early Birthday Cake

I’m officially middle-aged. I announce to my daughter. Who is almost thirteen, and whose life is made up

of spring, summer, and winter break countdowns.

So, you’re thinking you’ll live to 100, then? She asks, with a genetic smirk. A smile without teeth- A slight head tilt- One eyebrow raised towards her target. Hmmm… I say,

as I blow the candles out in her direction Staring into the back of her eyes with a smile so confusing that neither of us know what to make of it.

And we laugh.

Cut cake. Licking the knife- for a taste of that sweet sugar-

and wonder about our solitary futures.

(Freewriting with recursive edits - 17 min. -- April 7th, 2024)