For a little while, I forget. I forget the danger. I forget the shadows. I forget the weight of tonight. Because for the first time in my life, I’m having a real birthday. Emily is laughing so hard she can barely breathe. Noah is pretending he’s not proud of himself for winning me the teddy bear. The lights are bright, the music is loud, and the air smells like cinnamon and kettle corn.
For a moment, everything feels… normal. Safe. Happy.I hug the teddy bear to my chest, smiling up at Noah. “You didn’t have to win this for me.”
He shrugs, trying to look casual. “You wanted it.”
Emily snorts. “He’s been eyeing that booth since we got here. Don’t let him lie.”
Noah glares at her. She grins. I laugh, as I pull Noah down for a kiss. Our bond is growing fast, its kind of scary but in a good
