AURORA'S POV:
I never thought I’d make it to eighteen. Not really.
Not when I spent most of my childhood self harming and constantly battling suicidal thoughts behind locked doors. Not when I would lie awake and count the seconds between lightning and thunder, wondering which one I feared more. Not when the truth of who I am still feels like a mystery wrapped in pain.
But here I am.
The soft glow of early morning sunlight slips through the blinds, painting thin golden stripes across my blanket. I’m still groggy when I hear the sudden slam of my door bursting open.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” Cali screeches, her voice a mixture of laughter and squeals as she storms into my room wearing a ridiculous pointy birthday hat covered in sequins.
Before I can even sit up, she throws a handful of confett
