No one came to my daughter’s eighth birthday because my sister secretly told everyone I had canceled it. My parents t0ok her side and didn’t even call. I didn’t cry. The next m0rning, I made three phone calls that sent all of them into a panic.

I didn’t cry.

I did this.

The next day, they were the ones screaming in a panic.

Everything was ready. I ordered the cake 2 weeks in advance. Unicorn, strawberry cream, glittery icing, just like Lily wanted.

I hung the decorations late at night while she was sleeping. Bought pink paper plates, purple balloons. The table was overloaded with snacks, drinks, and those useless cupcakes no one eats, but that look amazing on Instagram.

Lily woke up, hugged me from behind, and whispered, “Is it today?”

“Yep, today.”

She beamed.