Laughter rang through the grand banquet hall as the party continued into the late afternoon. Children ran around with balloon animals and face paint, the air filled with the sweet scent of vanilla cake and fresh flowers. 

The waitstaff moved smoothly among the guests, serving sparkling juice and bite-sized pastries on silver trays.

Maya stood quietly near a tall window, sipping from her glass and watching Anika from afar. The little girl was full of life, dressed in her soft blue gown like a tiny princess. She had just finished cutting her towering birthday cake and now darted across the room toward her friends, her curls bouncing with every step....