Smoke from the birthday candle dances upwards, swirling through the air with ease. Eve giggles and turns to hug Grant. This small gesture makes for the single greatest birthday she has ever had. Her life was never celebrated where she came from. Only Nana and Papa would show their affection and give her some small gift they could offer. There were times when she hated birthdays. They had only served to bring her unhappiness. Could Grant ever understand how wonderful this moment is to her?
“Thank you. Thank you for everything. Without you I would barely exist at all.” Her hand caresses the stubble on his chin. “You have given me such a reason for living. More than that.. It’s as if for the first time, I actually know what it is like to be alive.”
“Happy birthday, my beautiful Evangeline.
