I should’ve known something was up the moment I heard whispers before opening my eyes.
“She’s still asleep?”
“Should we jump on her bed?”
“No, Tali, she’ll swing at you out of reflex—remember last year?”
I groaned and sat up. “I’m awake. Stop plotting.”
On my side, Krystal grinned and jumped to me. While Tali sings.
“Happy birthday to you, you belong to the zoo. Like a monkey, like a donkey, the gorilla is you—”
Before I could react, she tossed a balloon at me. It bounced off my forehead.
“Tathaira Lieste, I’ll definitely punch you!”
“Get dressed, Ate! Mama Heidy’s cooking and I have another surprise for you.”
I get up while glaring at you. “I don’t trust your surprises.”
“Well, if you say so. I’ll just not tell that Kuya Lucas is in the living room talking to Mama—”
“What?!
