Fifty

The elements must have declared the day of my birth as something worthy of celebration, after continuous days of gray clouds and gusty winds the sun shone above and the sky was a pretty blue.

The girls had covered the backyard table with pretty plates and fancy napkins. The menu was mostly finger food and tiny pastries. And dog treats. The music was minimal and the laughter was abundant.

“Blue looks so good on you,” said Clara as I pretended to try on the blouse I had just taken out of the gift bag.

“Thank you, Clara, I love it,” I said as I leaned closer to hug the pretty old woman, her flowery scent always accompanying her, and her short curly bob.

“Open mine.”

The next one was a beauty set followed by the most leather beautiful jacket. Pressing it to my nose the smell told me everything I needed to know, this was genuine and also second-hand. Also brought back memories of leather and earthy scents, strong hands, and haunting eyes.

“I bought this thinking I would wear it,