She burst through the front door, her breath ragged, heart still racing from the run. Her mind was a whirlwind of questions, fear, and confusion—until her eyes widened in disbelief.
The living room glowed with soft, colorful lights. Streamers draped the walls, balloons floated gently above, and the table was crowned with a cake she'd never seen before. Familiar faces—faces she loved—stood all around her, beaming.
"Happy birthday, Sisi! Congratulations on your birthday!" voices rang out in unison, the sound of clapping and cheerful music filling the air.
Her lips parted in shock, then curled into the brightest smile she'd worn in months. "Wow! Thank you so much—thank you kindly!" she said, her voice brimming with excitement.
"Sisi! Please cut the cake quickly—I'm starving," her younger brother groaned, drawing laughter from everyone.
"Hahaha!" the room erupted with joy, the earlier tension melting away into warmth and celebration.