***CATALINA***
The morning light sneaked from the curtains, kissing my face warmly. I stirred under the sheets, stretching like a cat waking from a long, sweet sleep. My body felt light and my heart… It felt gracious.
Today was my birthday.
For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling as a small smile formed on my lips with my hands stretched out on the bed. The world itself felt softer today, as if gifting me a perfect weather for my birthday.
I sat up in bed. My hair fell around my shoulders, and I felt a happy, bubbles forming in my chest. I slid off the bed and darted across the floor with my bare feet, heading towards the mirror.
My reflection smiled back at me — bright eyes, a little bloated face, pink lips and bright skin.
“Happy birthday, Catalina,” I whispered, my
