She Got the Chicken Soup, I Served the Divorce

Lila’s first birthday should’ve been a celebration.

Instead, it became the day I decided to end my marriage.

The clown was twisting balloon animals while the band had launched into its third round of 'The Wheels on the Bus,' and Adrian Callahan, my husband, was at the buffet station, whispering something to the caterer with a little too much urgency.

I didn’t think much of it until a server appeared carrying a small, steaming bowl of chicken soup.

It wasn’t on the menu.

There was no label—just a special request.