It was one thing when we forgot our own birthdays, but it was a whole other thing when those we loved forgot ours. I woke up from my sleep on what was meant to be my special day with no presents, no wishes whatsoever. The sunshine glittered across my face, and that was that. Nobody else was there.
"Happy birthday, honey!" my mom bounced into the room giddily. "You're seventeen! I can't believe it!" She stalked over to me and as I stood up, wrapped her arms around me. "I am so proud of you, sweetheart."
I forced on a smile, awkwardly returning her hug. "Thanks, Mom."
She retreated from the hug, keeping her hands firmly on my arms. "You're growing up so fast, but I can still see your little eight year-old face flashing through your adulthood. You've come a long way, but you've still got
