Peri has been a go-with-the-flow type of person all her life. But suddenly, things are changing so quickly that she finds it hard to get a firm footing on things. Yesterday, Peri buried her father, so both parents are gone now. Recently, she and Waddell have been discussing the possibility of moving in together. Merit and Roni are expecting their first child, so she’ll be adding on the title of auntie. And tonight, she’ll be entering her final stage of life and meeting her only son’s first girlfriend. It’s a lot, even for her.
Waddell comes over to check on her as her party guests arrive.
Waddell: Kai is here. I told him I’d come to get you.
Prosperity: Did he bring his girl?
Waddell: He did. Are you ready to meet her?
Prosperity: Yes and no.
Yes, because she’s glad to see Kai happy. And no, because it has always been just the two of them. But now, he’s grown up, and his life is moving in another direction, possibly away from her.
Waddell escorts Peri into the art building where Kai and Melisa are waiting. They’ve managed to find the piece that belongs to her and are standing there admiring it.
Although the party has barely started, Peri’s feet are already hurting as she makes her way over to greet Kai and his girlfriend. After the introductions, Kai excuses himself for a moment, giving Peri and Melisa some time to talk.
Melisa: I love your work. I just realized that I’d seen some of it before. You were featured in the Britechester University Alumni magazine that my mom subscribes to. She and my dad both graduated from there.
Prosperity: Thanks. I almost forgot about that article. It’s been a while. I’m shocked that you remembered.
Melisa: It was the colors that stood out to me.
Peri is impressed by this girl. She knows how to make a memorable first impression.
Ma and Me-Me talk for a while, then ma comes out of the building.
Kai: So, what do you think of Melisa?
Prosperity: I like her. She’s beautiful and intelligent. I’m glad you brought her.
I’m pleased to hear that, although I knew my mom would like her.
Kai: Are you ready to blow out your candles and serve your cake?
Prosperity: No, but I guess I might as well do it. Right?
Ma walks over to her cake and lights the candles.
Prosperity: *to the candles* Elder years; please be kind to me.
Ma blows out her candles and ages up looking as beautiful as ever. Seeing her as an older woman with grey hair is a bit startling at first. But other than age, I can tell that nothing much has changed about her. She’s still my lively mother.
Kai: Happy birthday, ma! How do you feel?
Prosperity: I feel like I want to eat cake and get off my feet.
Kai: I mean, other than that.
Prosperity: There is no other than that. I’m old now. It’s all about each moment.
Ma grabs her cake. Other than the old part (I’m having a hard time seeing her as old), I guess I can’t argue with that.
Kai: Okay, ma.
Peri sits down next to Waddell.
Waddell: You okay, babe? You haven’t been yourself tonight.
Peri watches Kai and Melisa interact for a while before responding.
Prosperity: Yeah, I’m fine. But I’ve lost my baby to another woman.
Waddell: You haven’t lost your son, P. But if things go well between them – you might gain a daughter.
Peri never really saw it like that. She finishes up her cake and leads everyone back inside to show off her most significant contribution to the museum.
Upstairs, everyone sees the mural Peri painted for the kid’s art room for the first time. Waddell and her oldest friend Wild are very impressed with her work.
Waddell: This is fantastic. It’s so different from your usual work.
Wildflower: *looks around* Yeah, your work livens this room up.
After she finishes showing off, Peri sits down at the sculpture table with Melisa to get to know her a bit better.
While Me-Me and ma talk, I pull Mr. Washington off to the side to speak to him privately.
Kai: Mr. Washington, I wondered if you could help me with something.
Waddell: Sure. What’s up?
Now that I have his undivided attention, I’m not sure how to proceed.
Kai: Um, I was trying to figure out someplace special to take Melisa. Someplace nearby.
Waddell: You mean, like on a date?
Kai: That and someplace to take her afterward.
Waddell: Afterward? *slight pause* Oh, do you mean – someplace where you can be alone.
Kai: Yes, all night – you know?
Waddell: *thinks a moment* There’s a small town nearby that’s very charming and special. It’s called Henford-on-Bagley –
Kai: Henford on what?
Waddell: Bagley – as in the river.
Kai: Oh, right.
Waddell: There’s an old-fashioned movie theatre there and a small marketplace. I took your ma to the spa there once. There’s also a popular bed and breakfast. Does that sound like what you’re seeking?
Kai: Yeah, I think so.
Waddell: If you’re looking for something even more private, you can rent a cottage up in the hills. That’s where your mom and I stayed. The whole town has a small cozy village vibe – very romantic, and I think Melisa would like it. Your mom did.
The bed and breakfast sounds like the best choice. Because I don’t want to be in any cottage that Mr. W and my mom might have woohooed in.
Kai: Thanks, I’ll look into the place.
It’s getting late, and the party guests begin to leave. I think ma’s party was a success. Me-Me and I say our goodbyes. It’s time to head back to campus.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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