106

I'LL JOIN YOU.

Samantha sat alone in her dimly lit dining room, the only sound being the soft hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen.

She stared blankly at the beautifully decorated birthday cake on the table, its candles unlit and its frosting gleaming in the faint light.

The cake seemed to mock her, a reminder of the celebration that was supposed to be, but never came to be.

She had been so excited to share her special day with her best friend, Camilla.

They had been friends since childhood, and Samantha had always looked forward to celebrating her birthday with Camilla by her side.

But this year, things...