“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”
The chorus of voices echoed through the room, bursting with an infectious energy that wrapped itself around Emma like a warm embrace. She blinked, her unique white eyes widening as she surveyed the scene.
The familiar faces of her loved ones surrounded her. Her best friend, Anna, sat in her wheelchair near the corner of the room. Her deep green eyes sparkled with joy, her hands clasped together as if she had been eagerly waiting for this moment. Anna had to have known all along... it was written all over her delighted expression.
Emma’s gaze shifted to the far end of the room, where her parents, Vivian and Derrick, stood side by side. Their smiles were soft and proud, a quiet reflection of the love they held for their children. But what drew Emma’s attention most was the sight of her twin brother, Ethan, standing at the center of it all. He was grinning from ear to ear, his arms outstretched as if inviting her to join him in the spotlight.
The room itself was transformed into a haven of enchantment. Streamers of every color crisscrossed the ceiling, their edges glowing faintly with magic. Floating orbs hovered lazily in the air, casting soft hues of pink, gold, and lavender that danced across the walls. A large round table dominated the center of the room, laden with an assortment of food and treats. At its heart stood a cake that shimmered faintly as though imbued with its own spell, the number six glowing proudly atop it.
Emma’s lips parted in surprise, a smile slowly curving across her face. Warmth swelled in her chest, the weight of her earlier thoughts fading as the joy of the moment took hold. She glanced toward Ellie, her elder sister, who stood off to the side with a triumphant grin.
“You forgot, didn’t you?” Ellie teased, stepping closer and nudging Emma lightly on the shoulder.
Emma let out a soft laugh, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly. “I... might have.”
Ellie smirked. “Well, it’s a good thing the rest of us didn’t,” she said with a wink.
Emma let her eyes roam the room again before stepping forward. She walked over to her parents first, greeting them warmly. “Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad,” she said, her voice soft but filled with gratitude.
Vivian bent down slightly, brushing a strand of Emma’s silver-white hair away from her face. “Happy birthday, sweetheart,” she said gently.
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Derrick chuckled, placing a firm yet affectionate hand on her shoulder. “You’ve grown so much this past year. I can’t believe you’re six already.”
Emma laughed, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and joy. Six is still a little bit too young, She thought, turning her attention to Ethan, who was standing with his arms crossed and a smug grin on his face.
“Ethan,” she began, folding her arms to mirror his posture, “you didn’t tell me you were also planning something this big.”
Ethan shrugged, his grin widening. “What can I say? I’m full of surprises.”
Emma smirked, leaning closer. “You’re also full of yourself.”
Ethan laughed, nudging her playfully. “Just admit you’re impressed.”
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Maybe a little.”
Her attention shifted to Anna, who was watching their banter with a knowing smile. Emma knelt beside her, wrapping her arms around her in a gentle hug. “Thank you, Anna. You knew, didn’t you?”
Anna chuckled softly, patting Emma’s back. “I might have had a hunch,” she said, her voice warm and teasing.
As Emma rose to her feet, ready to find a seat, a sudden thought struck her. Her smile faltered for a moment as she turned back, her eyes landing on Ellie. She hadn’t thanked her sister yet. Without a word, Emma walked over and wrapped her arms around Ellie in a tight hug.
“Thank you,” she said quietly, her voice thick with emotion.
Ellie’s smile softened as she returned the hug. “Anything for you,” she whispered, ruffling Emma’s hair one last time before letting her go.
With everyone gathered around the table, it was time for the main event. Emma and Ethan stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the glowing candles atop the cake.
“Make a wish,” Anna said, and the room fell into a hushed anticipation.
Emma closed her eyes, her mind racing with thoughts before settling on a simple, heartfelt wish. Beside her, Ethan did the same. Together, they opened their eyes and leaned forward, blowing out the candles in unison.
The room erupted into cheers and applause as the cake was cut. The first slice went to Emma, the second to Ethan, and soon everyone was enjoying the magical confection.
Once the plates were cleared, the games began. Then Emma, her siblings and her friend Anna, played all types of games they could think of, their laughter filling the air as they played a game that involved magical orbs that changed colors when touched, and Emma found herself giggling uncontrollably as she and Ethan tried to outmatch each other.
Her parents watched from the sidelines, chatting and laughing among themselves as the evening unfolded. Vivian and Derrick exchanged stories with Anna and their children, as them all were entertained by the lively atmosphere.
As the night wore on, Emma found herself seated next to Ethan, their energy finally beginning to wane. She leaned her head against his shoulder, a soft smile on her face.
“What a beautiful way to end a day,” she murmured.
Ethan glanced at her, his grin still intact. “It really is.”
For the first time in a while, Emma felt truly at peace. The weight of her thoughts had lifted, replaced by the simple joy of being surrounded by those she cared about. The magical warmth of the evening lingered, a memory she knew she would cherish forever.