Years had passed…..

I used to think birthdays were supposed to be magical—a day of cake, laughter, and wishes made over flickering candles. A day when everything felt right. I shared my birthday with Jennifer, as always. Jennifer never failed to remind everyone that the day wasn’t really ours to share.

Jadeline’s words from earlier replayed over and over, as sharp as she glared at me.

"Why should I waste money on her? She’s already got enough from her doting mother"

The ache in ...