OBSIDIAN: Birth to Venus

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“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you….” Everyone sang, smiling at Joy, who was seated at the head of the table.

Meanwhile, Sean sent cart after cart into the room, ushering in the Thai confections he’d prepared painstakingly for her. Sean had never cooked Thai food before. It was a labor of love. And, the presentation was clear; he’d prepared each with great care. Joy could not believe her eyes. The Kobe beef and sushi had sent her tastebuds into orbit, but she was overwhelmed by the dessert. “First, dinner at Masa, and now this!” Joy exclaimed.

Sean didn’t miss a beat. With impressive pronunciation, he announced, “First, the nine auspicious desserts of Thailand. We’ve got tong yip, tong yot, foi tong, and tong ek,” he said, as he motioned to a beautiful display of bright golden flowers, bite-sized drops, delicate threads, and carved gold-leaf, all fashioned out of sugared egg yolks. “May you continue to enjoy love, success, and prosperity in your life.

“Then, we have met khanun,” he said, motioning to a golden mung bean dessert, each piece the size of a jackfruit seed. “May you continue to enjoy the love and support of your family and friends.”

And with another wave of the hand, he said, “Next, we have cha mongkut,” a sugary jasmine treat, festooned with a delicate wheat flour crown. “For the crown you wear, not only as my mentor, but as a mother in my heart.”

“And mine!” Avena yelled.

“And ours!” added Diana and Mach.

Even Borda said, “You know it,” with a mischievous smile plastered on his face. Jai watched them, laughing, remembering the first time she’d told everyone Joy was actually her mother. It helped, to have so many women giving birth so late in life. Mom gave the impression she’d had Jai when she was 60, making Jai younger than Patient X. Jai’s secret was safe; no one questioned if she was the Eldest. They just called Joy “Mom” soon after she’d met them. Joy had that effect on them, even Borda. With a grin slapped wide on his face, it was obvious even he loved calling her Mom, no matter how much they all teased him about it. Jai didn’t mind it one bit. She loved how Mom was a mother to them all. For the first time since she’d lost Darin, she felt like she wasn’t an only child anymore.

She smiled, as Sean returned to the matter at hand. “Next, we have sanay chan,” he said, as he pointed to a bowl of golden orbs, shaped like whole nutmegs, “for the charm and love in your life. We know your moon will never wane.

“And, of course, khanom chan,” he said, waving his hand at a group of layered coconut jellies, in an assortment of pastel colors, “and khan tuay fu,” light, pillowy rice flour cakes, steamed with jasmine flowers for a rich, fragrant aroma. Beside them were cards tied with ribbon, with messages from Joy’s students over the years. “May you know how much you mean to everyone you’ve touched in your life.

“And, now that we’ve covered the nine auspicious desserts, I’ve saved the most important one for last. Your favorite: khao niew sang-kaya,” a sweet custard with coconut sticky rice. Joy’s brows arched in surprise. “Jai taught me how you used to make it with her, when she was young.”

“Happy Birthday, Mom,” Jai said, and kissed her mother on the cheek.

Joy gripped her by the hand and gave Sean a kiss. “Thank you, Jai. And, thank you, Sean. Thanks, to all of you.” Her eyes teared up as she looked at all of them. “I couldn’t be more blessed!” They enjoyed the feast, and Joy savored each bite…the taste of so many summers past.