Story I wrote for English a while ago, R/R Please.

Birthday Surprise

Adi was only sixteen when it started. She had a job working at the local cafe at the start of every week; a small gift would be there for her. It was always something exotic and interesting and there never was a card. Adi accepted the gifts but never used them; they were all hidden in a box underneath the loose floorboards in her room.

On her birthday, a gift came but this time it had a card. Along with the Star of David suspended on a gold chain was a simple white card that read,

“I want to meet you”

It was signed, Chaim and there was a phone number beneath the signature.

After her day at work, Adi raced home with the necklace and the card.

“Ima! She called to her mother.

“In the kitchen!” was her reply.

Adi dropped her bag in the lounge and walked to the kitchen. She placed the necklace and the card on the kitchen bench with a slight thump. Her mother turned to look at her daughter with a questioning expression on her face but faltered when she saw what Adi had placed in the bench.

“Read this Ima.” Adi said to her mother.

Her mother gingerly picked up the card and her face paled.

“Who is this Chaim?” she asked her daughter.

Adi shook her head and asked, “I thought you knew?”

Adi’s mother had visibly paled, “When did this start?”

“After our holiday in Tel Aviv, Ima.”

“Of course,” Adi’s mother muttered to himself, “He’s bound to have katsas to his advantage.”

“Ima?” Adi was confused, this was one of the only times her mother seemed panicked.

“Bring out everything he’s ever given to you and I’ll explain when your Aba comes home.” Was all Adi’s mother said before turning back to making cholent.

Obediently, Adi retrieved the box from her room and waited impatiently for her father to return home.

“Shani!” her father called out, “Adi! I’m home.”

“Aba!” Adi called back before running to hug her father.

Shani – Adi’s mother – was pale and sitting on the couch fidgeting.

“We have to tell her, Harel.” She says bluntly.

Adi’s father paled and gave a great sigh before collapsing on the couch. Adi was now, very confused.

“Okay, to be blunt Adi,” her father said, suddenly looking older, “You’re adopted.”

Adi’s eye widened in surprise.

“Your father, Chaim David is Deputy Director of Mossad,” her mother continued, “We agreed to take care of you in America to ensure your safety.”

“My mother?” was her only question.

“She died when you were born.” Harel informed her.

From this day further, Adi’s life had changed dramatically.

She stepped into the bustle of a busy airport in Tel Aviv; spotting a familiar figure in the crowd, she made her way towards him.

“Shalom Chaim.” She greeted.