Above them were seven enormous stars.
The message said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
YOU ARE BEST AT FINDING PLANETS.
Vincent read it.
Then he looked at his son.
“Thank you. I love this.”
Oliver’s eyes filled.
“Even if I didn’t say?”
“Even then.”
Maren answered on the second ring.
Vincent told her Oliver was with him and wanted to ask about a plan.
He didn’t announce the whole incident while the child sat listening.
He gave Oliver the phone.
The boy held it with both hands.
“Mum?”
“Hello, sweetheart.”
He took a breath.
The first sound caught.
Nobody moved the phone away.
Nobody offered the sentence for him.
Eventually, he asked:
“Am I going to Grandma Judith?”
Maren was quiet.
Then she said:
“Not that I know about.”
Oliver looked at his father.
“She’s not my grandma really.”
“You can call her Judith if you prefer.”
“She said I need to go.”
Maren’s voice remained calm.
“Who said?”
He glanced toward the doorway.
Vincent leaned closer.
“You can tell her.”
“Camille.”
Another pause.
“Would you put Dad on, please?”
Vincent took the phone.
He moved only a few steps away.
“Yes, I’m finding out now.”
He listened.
“No. He’s staying here tonight.”
Then, after another silence:
“Of course you can come.”
Oliver heard that.
His shoulders lowered.
Maren told him she would arrive after he finished his cake.
He looked at the plate.
