He looked toward the camera.
"My son wanted to blow out seven candles. That's all."
Then he went back inside.
Caleb did not want another birthday cake.
At first, Marcus thought the boy was simply upset.
He offered to order another one from Teresa.
Caleb shook his head.
"No."
"What about cupcakes?"
"No."
"Chocolate ice cream?"
Caleb looked toward the floor.
"I don't want another birthday."
Marcus sat beside him.
"Buddy."
Caleb pulled his knees toward his chest.
"What if the police come again?"
Marcus felt the question like a blow.
"They won't come to hurt you."
"How do you know?"
Marcus opened his mouth.
Then stopped.
He could not promise something he did not control.
He could promise what he would do.
He moved closer.
"If you ever feel scared, you tell me. And I'm going to do everything I can to keep you safe."
Caleb looked at him.
"Even if the police are there?"
"Yes."
The boy thought about that.
Then he whispered, "I don't want to wear Superman."
Marcus nodded.
"Okay."
For the next several days, the costume remained folded in a drawer.
Caleb avoided the red cape.
He stopped playing superhero rescue with his friends.
At night, he sometimes woke crying.
He asked whether the officer would come to their house.
He asked whether Marcus might get arrested.
He asked whether Grandpa Thomas could lose his badge.
Marcus arranged an appointment with a licensed child therapist experienced in helping children process frightening events.
He attended the first session with Caleb.
The therapist did not force the boy to discuss the cake.
Instead, she provided drawing materials and toys.
Caleb drew a large tree.
A picnic table.
A little boy in blue.
Then he drew a black boot covering the birthday cake.
He stared at the drawing.
The therapist asked gently, "What was the scariest part?"
Caleb pointed to the boot.
Then he shook his head.
"No."
He moved his finger toward the figure representing his father.
"This."
The therapist leaned closer.
"What about your dad?"
Caleb's voice became very small.
"I thought the policeman was going to take him away."
Marcus lowered his head.