When Emma’s husband, Mike, makes fun of her age in public, the celebration for her 57th birthday takes a terrible turn. As her best friend defends Emma by disclosing a fact that leaves Emma and the other guests stunned, tensions rise.
My fifty-seventh birthday was yesterday, and I really enjoy being this age—contrary to popular belief. I am confident in my identity, have nothing to prove, and embrace every wrinkle and gray hair that I have.
It could have saved a lot of pain if my husband, Mike, felt the same way.
Mike has recently developed a habit of making fun of my age whenever he can. He seems to believe that he is a stand-up comedian.
He’ll say, “Oh, Emma, did you forget your dentures?” and then laugh incessantly. Yes, Mike, you’re quite original.
However, I was adamant that he not ruin my birthday. I got a new outfit, decorated the house, and asked all my friends around. I was giddy with anticipation until Mike barked.
He looked at me incredulously and said, “You really think you can pull that off?”
I shot back, trying not to allow him to come close to me. “Of course I can.”
Mike shook his head and laughed. “Maybe we should get you checked out for dementia since you’re clearly losing touch with reality.”
His remarks pierced my heart like a knife. I intended to respond with something scathing, but I ran out of words.
The doorbell rang then.
Karen, my closest friend, arrived first. After Mike insulted me, she gave me the confidence boost I needed by praising my clothing right away.
As the other guests trickled in, the home erupted with laughter and conversation. Greeting everybody and ensuring they had refreshments, I was in my element. Naturally, though, Mike had to put a stop to things.
“Do you truly think that wine is something you should be drinking, Emma? Isn’t it time for you to go to bed?” He spoke up so that everyone could hear.
There were a few uneasy chuckles, but for the most part, there was awkward stillness.
I forced a smile through my clinched jaw. “I’ll manage, Mike.”
I attempted to ignore him during the celebration, but he persisted.
“You’re going to eat that cake? Do you really want to be old and fat?” he said when I reached for a slice.
It was everything I could do not to yell at him. As the evening wore on, Mike’s remarks became more offensive, feeling like small jabs to my heart.
Emma, you’re too old to dance. I was swaying to the music when he said, “You might break a hip.”
The pitiful expressions in my friends’ eyes caused my blood to boil.
“Cut it out!” Mike got a hiss from me. “Why are you being such a jerk?”
Mike’s face turned red. “I’m giving you a reality check,” he yelled. “You’re too old to act this way, too old to be attractive, too old for me, Emma! Why don’t you just accept it?”
The space became quiet. My cheeks burned, and I had a feeling that something had collapsed beneath me. Karen moved forward, eyes blazing, before I could say anything.
“Oh, too old for you, right?” Slicing through the tension was Karen’s voice. “But aren’t you the one who can’t do anything in bed without your pills?”
Mike went purple. I was taken aback. How was that known to her? I kept it from her.
Karen continued. It’s accurate, everyone. Mike here needs to take a little blue tablet before he performs. You know how I learned about it, too?
After Karen said, “Because he cheated on Emma with my friend, Linda,”
The guests let out a collective gasp. I noticed the astonishment and bewilderment on their expressions as I turned to glance around. As I attempted to take in what Karen was saying, my heart raced.
Linda appeared to wish she could just vanish as she stood in the corner. She was a younger woman who frequently visited our social group. I was struck with betrayal like a ton of bricks.
Mike’s statement hit me like a slap in the face while I was still reeling.
“Shut your pie hole!” Mike’s expression was twisted with shame and rage. “You can’t just ruin my reputation like this!”
I finally found my voice. “Your reputation? What about mine? What about the years of ridicule and humiliation you’ve put me through?”
Even though my voice was shaking, I felt stronger as I spoke. Something had broken inside of me. I glanced around the room and noticed my friends’ support.
It offered me the self-assurance I required to speak up.
“I’m done with your cruelty and your lies.” I stabbed Mike with my finger. “You wish to make me feel unattractive and outdated? Here’s a shocking revelation: I feel more alive and energetic when you’re not pulling me down.”
Mike was stunned, and stood there. I spotted Linda trying to slink out of sight. I inhaled deeply before approaching her.
“Linda, I don’t know why you did what you did, but I hope it was worth it.”
Without uttering a word, she simply glanced at the ground before quickly closing the door.
I turned to look at everyone again, and the room stayed silent. I experienced a wave of release. There by my side was Karen, the constant rock.
“Come with me, Emma. You’re done having to put up with this,” she exclaimed.
“You can’t talk to me like that and just leave!” Mike yanked my arm with a crack.
I turned to face him, adrenaline pumping through my veins. It was long overdue for me to put him in his place, and I felt stronger than ever.
“I’m done with you, Mike,” I declared. “I won’t let you drag me down anymore. I’m leaving you!”
Like a fish out of water, Mike’s mouth opened and closed, but nothing came out. His face was a mask of shock and wrath, but it was all insignificant now. My life was no longer controlled by his opinion.
After Karen wrapped her arm around me, we moved in the direction of the door. My other friends started to get together and support us with encouraging comments.
But Mike was far from finished.
“You’ll regret this!” He called out to me. “There won’t be another old hag like you. You’re going to be homeless.”
“Actually, since the cabin is in my name, the worst that’ll happen to me is I’ll end up on a permanent holiday,” I shot back over my shoulder, laughing.
The burden of years of suffering appeared to disappear from my shoulders as we left the celebration. Karen’s automobile held all of us while we traveled to my favorite restaurant.
It never occurred to me that there would be one last surprise for me.
The aroma of delectable food, cozy lighting, and soothing music welcomed us as soon as we entered. The mood lightened as soon as we found a comfortable booth and settled in.
“To Emma,” raised her glass Karen exclaimed. “To new beginnings and to never letting anyone dull our sparkle!”
I grinned, experiencing a sensation of warmth that was unrelated to the wine. There’s no denying that Mike’s treachery hurt. It was a wake-up call, though.
I became aware of how fortunate I was as I looked around at my friends. I had the courage to break out and start over because of their love and support.
Karen interrupted my thoughts by leaning over. “Penny, for your thoughts?”
I laughed. “I was just thinking about how grateful I am. For you, for everyone. For finally finding the courage to stand up for myself.”
She smiled warmly. “You’ve always had that courage, Emma. You just needed a little reminder.”
At that moment, the restaurant door opened, and a tall, dignified-looking man with gentle eyes entered. He looked around, saw our bunch of people having fun, and waved to us. Karen returned the wave.
Karen saw me staring at him as he made his way to the bar and gave me a gentle prod.
“Who’s that?” Curiosity sparked, so I asked.
“That’s Alex, I see. He’s a frequent here, quite endearing, and unmarried,” she smirked. “Maybe a new friend for you to get to know?”
Excitement fluttered through me. Perhaps this signified the fresh start to which everyone was raising a glass.
I embraced my age and my life with newfound vigor after that day. Mike, too? He realized too late that he had lost a woman who deserved far more than he could ever provide and was left to bear the repercussions of his actions.
My adventure was just getting started, and I was prepared to face it with all the tenacity and strength I had found again within me. And perhaps, just possibly, a little romance could have fit in along the way.
