ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀꜱ : ᴛʜᴇ ᴜᴘʀɪꜱɪɴɢ

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A sharp, excruciating pain pierced my heart, causing me to clench my shirt in a tight fist. It felt like my internal clock wanted to wish me a happy birthday in the most controversial way possible.

Is this how you're supposed to feel when you turn eighteen?

In books or movies, people always do great things on their 18th birthday. They all look forward to it.

I didn't care. It would be a day like any other. I didn't plan to spend it any differently.

I would wake up to hugs and kisses from my parents and our dog, then head to school where Alicia, my best friend, would attack me with the same fervor.

My alarm was supposed to go off in five minutes, but I had a habit of waking up just before it rang, much to my annoyance. A few more minutes of sleep weren't negligible, especially knowing I'd soon be buried under two overly affectionate human beings.

I managed to get back to sleep after my midnight wake-up call, but I was drowsy, my sleep plagued with countless bizarre dreams. They felt real, yet were now too blurry to remember.

"Happy birthday, my love!" My mom hummed as she burst into my room, nearly breaking the door. She jumped on my bed, hugging me as if her life depended on it. My dad followed, holding a small cupcake with a candle and a huge smile. Lastly, Alfred, our dog, barked and leaped onto my bed, licking my face.

"Happy birthday to the wonderful woman you have become," my dad said, making me blow out the candle before placing the cupcake on my nightstand. He hugged me tightly and kissed my hair while my mom held my hand and stroked Alfred with the other.

"I promised myself I wouldn't cry, but you're such a wonderful girl. Time flies too fast," my mom said, wiping away her tears, and then we did a group hug.

"I love you guys. Thanks for taking care of me... you know, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon," I smiled at them, and for a moment, I thought I saw a strange look pass between them. They briefly exchanged glances, then smiled tenderly at me.

"Of course, honey," my father said, standing up and helping my mother up too.

"My God, I still remember when you couldn't even reach the doorknob," my mother sniffed, burying her head in his neck while I shook my head.

"Lise, this isn't the time for drama. Come on, let's make her breakfast, then we'll spend the day watching videos and pictures of her. Sound good, love?" He smiled at me. She nodded, he wiped her tears, and they rushed out of my room.

I would have liked to stay a baby too. It was easier. I was happy with nothing. Now, I always felt bored, like something was missing. All I needed was my parents, Alicia, and Alfred to be happy. Maybe Raiden, but I wasn't going to admit that and sound like a crazy teenage girl raving about a boy.

Raiden didn't even know I existed. Who would, anyway? I was a quiet girl. I hung out with the popular crowd only because of Alicia. Otherwise, I would be a lonely girl, I guessed.

I wasn't a goddess and wasn't trying to be popular. I was just with them from time to time. I liked them, but attention-seeking wasn't my style. I preferred my little bubble, reading and listening to music, staying away from trouble and anything that attracted attention.

I finally got up, did my morning routine, and had breakfast with my parents. Since this morning, my phone had exploded with messages, even from people I didn't know, wishing me a happy birthday. Thanks to Alicia, who obviously posted a message online, people who thought I could help them become more popular sent me messages.