Chapter 7: The Birthday That Changed Everything

That day was a fluke. I skipped the library—it was my birthday.

He promised it’d be just the two of us.

I woke up before sunrise, spent forever curling my hair, and finally wore the red dress I’d hidden in my closet for months.

Everything was perfect.

But before I could get close to him, I saw him answer a call. He looked so panicked he didn’t even say hi—just bolted.

I knew it must’ve been important, so I started to worry too.

Wearing heels that pinched, I hurried after him. But I tripped, twisted my ankle, and cried out. He must’ve heard—but he never turned back. Just kept running.

He didn’t answer my calls, didn’t text back. No movie, no date, not even a glimpse of him.

Even his roommate was clueless. He didn’t come back all night, and I didn’t sleep at all.

My birthday passed in worry and fear. I watched the numbers on the clock flip over, minute by minute. My roommates tiptoed around me, Tasha dropping off a cupcake she’d made in the dorm kitchen. I couldn’t bring myself to eat it. I watched the candle flicker out on its own, wishing I could just blow away the whole day.