His Her

Chapter two

The moment her feet hit the last step, three voices burst into laughter

"Finally! " her mom exclaimed, her apron dusted with flour."You kept us waiting birthday girl".

Her dad crossed his arm, pretending to frown

"You know school won't wait for you either, right? "

Her younger sister giggled, clutching a small gift wrapped in a glittery paper."You're in troubleeeee!. Daisy sang teasingnly

I roll my eyes laughing as I flung my bag on the couch "Okay, okay i'm sorry! I just over slept".

" Cut her some slack Bruce" her mom turned to the counter top reaching for something "Ta-da!, baked you a cake" She said grinning.

Then almost on cue, her dad began to sing that familiar tune, his voice deep and cheerful."Happy birthday to you.... "

Her sister's high pitched voice joined in, then her mom's warm alto_and soon the room was filled with laughter and clapping. Her mom set the small cake on the dining table, chocolate frosting swirled into a perfect spiral, one pink candle flickering in the morning light

She stood before it, smiling wide. But as she stared at the flame, her smile softened. For a heartbeat, the warmth of the candle reminded her of something else_the dim, red glow from her dream. That strange humming sound whispered in her ears again, distant but familiar.

"Make a wish" her mom said gently placing a hand on her shoulder. She hesitated. Everyone was watching, waiting.

Make a wish.

She closed her eyes.The laughter faded replaced by silence _that heavy dream like silence she had felt last night. She saw the hallway again, the one that stretched forever, the walls breathing like lungs, the air thick with warmth and fear. A shadow had followed her there, watching her without eyes, whispering without words.

Her chest tightened. She didn't want to see it again

I wish it would go away, she thought quietly.I wish i'd never dream it again_her head chanting the words over and over like a protective mantra.

Then a voice called her name. "Sweetheart? "

Her eyes fluttered open. The kitchen was bright again

She grinned, trying to shake off the strange feeling and blew out the flame. Everyone cheered and hugged her, her sister jumping excitedly around the table. Her mom sliced the cake, her dad handed her a piece, and the sound of laughter filled the house once more.

But as she took her first bite of the sweet soft cake, a chill ran down her spine because for just a second, in the reflection of the kitchen windows, she thought she saw the faint outline of that shadow again, standing at the top of the stairs. Watching.

"Arah it wouldn't kill you to get out of clothes three or four times your size" her dad said a slight frown playing across his brows

She was startled once more

"I know dad but you know these are what i'm comfortable in" She shrugged thoughtfully "They make me feel safe".

" Safe? " he asked amusedly brows raised

"Yes dad. I don't wanna give people more reason to stare at me" she said eyes fixed on the floor

He sighed and placed a gentle hand on her cheek "You're supposed to be you, my girl. Not hiding behind large hoodies with sleeves past your wrists and loose faded pants"

"Welllll.... dad got you something" Daisy giggled interruptingly as she handed to her a small gift in glittery paper

"what are these? " Zhanarah asked frowning

"Something i've been saving up for".he smiled handing it to her " Go on open it".

"You didn't have to. You know we need the money for other important stuffs" she muttered as she unwrapped it

Eyes wide, her breath catching"Daddy.... "

"I saw it at a thrift store and thought arah would like this. It's your size. Maybe.... Just try it on, eh kiddo? Let the world see the beautiful girl that you are"

She looked up at him lovingly and then proceeded to open the second box

"Daddy said an old man gave him" daisy said butting in as she searched for her socks

"I was looking through a beautiful necklace shop admiring their designs cos i couldn't possibly afford any of those and then an old man walked up to me, handed me the box and walked away" her dad said reliving the amusing tale.

Out came a sapphire anklet with marquise-shaped stones. She ran her fingers over the shiny pendants, the cool metal warming in her hand.

For a long moment she didnt speak. Then she looked up at him_half grateful, half uncertain.

"Thank you" she said quietly

He nodded, the lines in his face softening

After a pause, she smiled faintly "But i'm keeping my hoodies"

He chuckled ruffling her hair and stared admiringly in her eyes "I expect nothing less. Just promise me you'll remember_you don't need to hide to be comfortable".

Zhanarah looked down at the anklet once more, the morning light glinting off it's surface and thought maybe_just maybe_he was right.