And it just sits there reminding you of new memories to make, futures to come, friends to forget. Denial is in the icing, dead dreams in the wicks of the tacky pastel candles. The blade of regret cuts through the thick layers of new broken promises. Sprinkles to soften the blow of reality, chocolate crumbs to help savor the empty moment. The birthday cake of denial cannot be denied. Nothing is final until the last overly sweetened piece that sits on your tongue, full of expectations is
*gone.