𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓; 𝐏𝐄𝐃𝐑𝐈

𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁

✩♬ ₊.🎧⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
❝ 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊'𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒇 𝒊 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 ❞

⌞ A U G U S T - 2 0 1 4 ⌝

I wake up that morning to sunlight streaming through my window, warming my face and illuminating my room.

Today is my birthday—my tenth birthday! I've been counting down the days, dreaming of the big party my mom promised me.

Balloons, cake, games, and my friends laughing and singing—everything that makes birthdays special.

I throw off my blankets and jump out of bed, practically bouncing with excitement. I race to the bathroom, brushing my teeth with fervor.

After I finish, I pick out my favorite dress: a bright pink one with frilly sleeves and a little white ribbon at the waist. It's the perfect birthday dress! I twirl in front of the mirror, my smile wide as I imagine how beautiful the decorations will look and how much fun we'll have.

"Mama! I'm ready!" I call out, my voice ringing through our big house. But no response. I frown, feeling a flicker of confusion, but I don't let it dampen my spirits.

I hurry into the kitchen, where my mom usually sits with her coffee in hand, preparing for the day. I can already picture the table covered with birthday treats, filled with all my favorites.

"Ma!" I call again, this time with more urgency. I step into the kitchen and find it empty. The only sound is the gentle hum of the refrigerator. My heart begins to sink.

Maybe she just forgot to come in here.

After a few moments of waiting, I decide to set the table myself. I grab plates, cups, and napkins, making sure everything looks perfect.

If my dad was here, he'd definitely be helping me right now. But sadly, he's away on a business trip, and won't be back until next week.

Luckily, I can manage by myself. I'm a grown up now, I'm ten.

"She'll be so proud when she sees what I did," I think, referring to the table I just set up, trying to stay optimistic.

I hear footsteps getting closer to the kitchen as I turn to look at the hallway. My mom finally walks in, her hair is tousled, and she looks tired.

She has a coffee cup in one hand and her phone in the other. "What's all the noise about?" she asks, sounding annoyed as she takes a sip of her coffee.

"Ma, can we start decorating for the party now?" My excitement bubbles over, and my eyes shine with anticipation.

Mom barely glances up, focused instead on her phone with an eyebrow raised. "What party? I'm busy, Bella" She mumbles.

My heart sinks a little. "My birthday, ma. You promised we'd have a big party! I'm ten now!" I remind her, hoping to spark some enthusiasm.

"I said I'm busy!" She snaps, not even looking up from her screen. "You need to be patient for once."

"I'm just excited.." I protest, my voice shaking slightly. Her irritation is palpable, "excited or not, I have things to do." she says curtly before walking out of the kitchen. I stand there, feeling small and forgotten.

Blinking back tears, I return to my room. I had envisioned this day filled with joy and laughter, but instead, I feel like I'm in a shadow. I sit on my bed, clutching my stuffed animal, my heart heavy.