***CATALINA***

The morning light sneaked from the curtains, kissing my face warmly. I stirred under the sheets, stretching like a cat waking from a long, sweet sleep. My body felt light and my heart… It felt gracious.

Today was my birthday.

For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling as a small smile formed on my lips with my hands stretched out on the bed. The world itself felt softer today, as if gifting me a perfect weather for my birthday.

I sat up in bed. My hair fell ...