The sun is high and bright as I skip out of the classroom, my lavender cape fluttering behind me.
I wave goodbye to my teacher, feeling like the happiest girl in the world because today isn't just any day—it's my seventh birthday!
Papa is waiting at the school gate, leaning against the car with that big smile of his. As soon as I spot him, I run as fast as I can and throw my arms around him. "Papa! I'm seven today!" I shout, my voice bubbling with excitement.
He laughs and picks me up, spinning me around like I'm flying. "Happy Birthday, Lilac! Ready for your party?"
I nod so fast my cape almost flies off. "Yeah! But. . . where's Mama?"
"She's at home, setting up your big surprise," Papa says, opening the car door for me. "You're gonna love it!"
The ride home feels like it takes forever, but I keep busy singing my favorite songs with Papa.
When we finally pull into the driveway, I see colorful balloons tied to the mailbox and streamers hanging from the porch. My eyes go wide, and I clap my hands. "Look, Papa! It's so pretty!"
Mama is at the door, covered in flour but smiling so bright. "Happy Birthday, my sweet Lilac!" she says, kneeling to give me a big hug. "Are you ready for your party?"
"Yes, Mama!" I shout, bouncing on my toes. She takes my hand and leads me inside, and I gasp when I see the living room.
It's full of balloons, streamers, and a long table covered with snacks, sandwiches, and a big bowl of punch. But the best part is the cake in the middle—it's covered in pastel flowers, and it's the prettiest cake I've ever seen!
"It's so pretty! Did you make this, Mama?" I ask, my eyes glued to the cake.
Mama nods, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "All for you, our birthday girl!"
Soon, my classmates start arriving, and the house fills with giggles and shouts. We play tag and hide-and-seek in the yard, and Papa sets up a game with bottles and rings. Everyone tries to win a prize, and the whole place feels like a carnival just for me.
I'm bouncing around, having the best time when Quentin walks in, holding something behind his back.
He gives me a shy smile and hands me a card. "Happy Birthday, Lilac," he says. The card is covered in glitter and has a drawing of a big sunflower with a tiny hero next to it.
YOU ARE READING
Skies & Florets
RomantizmShe has built a quiet life in her small-town flower shop, surrounded by the blooms she's always loved. But as the years pass, the memory of her childhood friend-the boy who once promised to be by her side-lingers like a ghost among the petals. Now g...
