Ivy had always been impulsive, and this time, our misunderstanding seemed to run deep, leaving her boiling with anger.
I had said my piece, and now I could only wait for her to cool off.
On the second day, I started feeling better.
In the evening, I had a wild idea to sneak into Dylanâs room and surprise him, but he and Elena were nowhere to be found.
I had no clue where those two kids had vanished to.
Worry started creeping in.
Did they sneak out for some fun?
The world outside had turned dangerous, with the Bartons keeping a watchful eye.
What if they snatched the kids away?
These thoughts left me anxious.
Just as I was about to inquire with the nurse about the childrenâs whereabouts, the ward plunged into darkness.
My breath caught in my throat and I gripped the fabric of my shirt.
Before I could react, a sweet birthday tune floated in from the doorway.
I spun around to find Caleb and the two youngsters wheeling in a big cake.
My father trailed behind them.
âHappy birthday, Mommy!â Elena beamed.
I was very surprised.
How did they know it was my birthday?
Iâd never let slip my birthday to Caleb, Elena, or Dylan.
And when it came to my father, he hadnât bothered about my birthday since my mother passed.
A cake with candles appeared before me, and I was completely lost in thought, my eyes wide and unblinking.
Ever since I left the Silver Ridge Pack, Iâd avoided celebrating my birthday.
It always reminded me of my mother, who I thought had passed away, and my father, who abandoned me.
I couldnât confront those emotions, so I tried to avoid them.
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But today, I felt something different.
There was no resistance or fear; I was greatly moved.
âHappy birthday to youâ¦â
As my father closed the door, the kids launched into a sweet blessing song just for me.
Their innocent voices filled the air, and I couldnât hold back the tears that welled up.
Then Caleb planted a tender ki*s on my forehead.
It felt surreal.
I couldnât wrap my head around the whole thing.
Caleb clasped my hand and whispered in my ear, âHoney, itâs time to make a wish.
â
The candlelight danced in his eyes, mirroring the serene moonlight on the lake-mesmerizing, radiant, and impossible to look away from.