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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This family gathering, organized to celebrate 13-year-old Aalayah Fulmore’s return from the hospital after a stay there that lasted more than half the summer of 2022, is supposed to be a happy event.
And there are certainly signs that a party’s going on: colorful balloon arches, a gigantic cake and banners with Aalayah’s name on them in the living room; caterers in the kitchen prepping a mouth-watering soul-food meal; a spiked, pink-colored punch for the grown-ups; Beyoncé songs blaring through the speakers.
