Daughter of a Witch

Birthday Surprise

The crisp November air whispered through the trees as Y/n stood in the kitchen, her brow furrowed in concentration. The smell of vanilla and chocolate hung in the air, mixing with the soft warmth of the oven. Flour dusted her cheek as she stirred the cake batter with enthusiasm, while across the counter, Rio sorted through a small box of decorations. String lights, candles, and little homemade garlands peeked out from the box, waiting to be put up.

"Do you think Mama suspects anything?" Y/n asked, glancing nervously at Rio.

Rio smiled, her dark eyes sparkling as she inspected the twinkling lights she held. "Not a clue, cariño. She's too wrapped up in her work to think anything of it."

Y/n let out a relieved sigh, the tension in her shoulders easing. For days, she and Rio had secretly planned this-the perfect, low-key birthday surprise for Agatha. Nothing too big or extravagant, just something warm and personal to remind her how much they loved her.

"How's the cake coming along?" Rio asked, leaning over the counter to peek into the bowl Y/n was working on.

"I think it's ready," Y/n said, holding up the spoon and watching the thick stream of batter drip back into the bowl. "I hope it tastes as good as it looks."

"It'll be perfect, mija," Rio assured her, touching Y/n's shoulder. "And if not, we'll just blame the oven."

Y/n giggled at that, feeling lighter as she poured the batter into the cake pan. With the cake now baking in the oven, Y/n wiped her hands on a dish towel, stealing a glance at the clock. "We've got just over an hour before Mama gets home."

"Perfect," Rio said with a grin. "Let's get these decorations up."

Together, they worked swiftly, stringing the lights around the living room, lighting candles along the windowsills, and setting out the small gifts they'd hidden away. Y/n had spent hours painting a small mug for Agatha, carefully decorating it with stars and moons in various shades of blue and silver. Rio had found a vintage silver locket, big enough to hold a tiny picture inside, and she'd placed a family photo from last Christmas in it.

The house slowly transformed from its everyday coziness to something warm and intimate, with soft lighting and flickering candlelight setting the perfect mood. Y/n felt a surge of excitement. Agatha wasn't one for grand celebrations, but she knew this small, heartfelt gesture would mean the world to her mama.

"Why don't you go change into something comfy?" Rio suggested, her tone soft and reassuring. "I'll finish up in here."

Y/n nodded, hurrying upstairs to swap her flour-covered shirt for a cozy sweater and leggings. Agatha loved it when they all bundled up in comfy clothes for nights at home, and tonight would be no exception. Once she was ready, Y/n checked her reflection in the mirror, wiping away the last trace of flour on her cheek, and headed back downstairs.

As Y/n returned to the kitchen, the oven timer dinged, signaling the cake was done. Together, she and Rio pulled it out of the oven and placed it on the counter to cool. After a few minutes, Y/n began frosting the cake with thick swirls of chocolate icing. It wasn't the neatest job, but it was made with love-which was the most important part.

Just as Y/n finished placing a single candle on top, the familiar click of the front door unlocking echoed through the house. Y/n's eyes widened, and Rio quickly turned off the overhead lights, leaving only the soft glow of the string lights and candles illuminating the room.

"Mama's home!" Y/n whispered excitedly, her heart racing.

The door creaked open, and Agatha's voice floated through the entryway. "Hello? Is anyone home?"