Sienna

I woke up on my birthday with this warm feeling in my chest, like the world had secretly decided to be kind to me for once. I didn’t even open my eyes yet, but I could hear sounds outside my door—whispers, shuffling, the kind of noise people make when they’re trying to be quiet but absolutely failing at it.

I stretched under my blanket and smiled. They’re planning something. I can feel it.

The moment I opened my door, chaos exploded.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRINCESS!”

My family, my friends—everyone—were crammed in the hallway like a pack of excited puppies. Balloons everywhere, confetti flying in my hair, cupcakes dangerously close to...