Faith
I found the small, worn calendar tucked inside the back of the pantry pantry ledger while helping Mrs. Hayes sort through the weekly menu items.
Written in faded blue ink on the entry for July 31st were three simple words: Noah’s 5th Birthday.
I stared at the date, a quiet frown tugging at my lips. I looked up at Mrs. Hayes, who was wiping down the granite kitchen island. "Mrs. Hayes? Is Noah turning five tomorrow?"
Mrs. Hayes stopped her cloth mid-wipe, her shoulders sagging under a sudden weight of sadness. She let out a long, heavy sigh.
"Yes, Miss Porter," she murmured quietly, looking toward the door to ensure no one was listening. "Tomorrow is his birthday."
"Why hasn't anyone mentioned it?" I asked, setting the ledger down. "There are no decorations, no cake orders, no g
