Mum says it is bad luck to cry on a day like today.

So when my lip trembles while slicing strawberries, she brushes my shoulder gently with her fingertips.

“Not today, darling. We need to smile for her. Just for today” she stated.

She turns away too quickly. Her voice is even but her eyes are red, the type of red that tells you someone was up before dawn, quiet-crying into a pillow. I don’t pus...