Kamila frowned. Why had he said that? If Mom were here, she’d have listed thirty things Kamila was doing wrong planning this party. She set down the box of coasters, walked over to her father, and started tying his tie so she could sneak a peek into his eyes. They looked fine—no sign of despair. “You sure you won’t stay for dinner, at least? I know you want to try Rohan’s Burmese biryani.” So long as it wasn’t too greasy. Dad hadn’t received his test results yet, but he’d been so positive all week. And so good! Exercising daily, eating all the fruits and veggies Kamila put in front of him. A tiny bit of biryani couldn’t hurt.

“I don’t want to miss prayers,” he said. “I’m going to Rashida’s for a card party after. You can save me some biryani.” Dad frowned as he put his jacket on. “What kind of biryani do Burmese people eat?”

She shrugged. “I guess I’ll find out soon enough.” She adjusted the pocket square in his jacket. Dad was so dapper and always wore a pocket square. She patted his chest and went back to putting out coasters.

“So why all the extra decorating tonight?”

“A couple of new friends are coming.” She told Dad about Dane and her hope that one day he and Maricel would be as happy as Asha and Nicole.

Dad smiled warmly. “You’re generous with your friends, but I wish you wouldn’t make so many matches. We rarely see Asha anymore—she used to be here helping you set up every Friday.”

“Yeah, but Asha is glowing these days…I can sacrifice her help with parties for that kind of happiness.”

“You’re too good, Kamila. I wish…” He sighed. “I was looking at some old pictures today…You’ve come so far. I know things were hard, and I wasn’t there for you when you were young, but you’ve grown into—”

Kamila tensed again. “Don’t say it, Dad. You were there for me. More than anyone else. Remember the doctor said not to dwell on things you can’t change?”

This was troubling. Dad should not be thinking about the past so much. Kamila went to the kitchen and opened the box of appetizers she’d picked up earlier.

“Hakka?” Dad asked.