A Birthday Surprise That Changed Everything

My birthday. A time for celebration. Yet, something felt off.

The way Emmett smiled. Just a little too forced.

His friends, Finn and Luca, whispering in corners.

That odd sense of unease settled in my stomach.

It was supposed to be a joke. They covered my eyes.

Abandoned at a deserted gas station.

They sped away. Laughter echoing.

I knew, at that moment, I’d never return to that life.