The days flew by with such incredible speed that if I dared to blink, a whole week would have already vanished. Leaving the hospital walls felt like a heavy weight lifting off my shoulders. Even in such a short time, the place never felt like home; if anything, my hatred for hospitals had only deepened.
I left the building with a limp, each step requiring a painstaking amount of effort, but I was finally out. The days I spent at home, hoping for a quick recovery, were a strange paradox—they felt agonizingly monotonous, yet they blurred past at the speed of light.
Thankfully, Vicky and Chris were frequent visitors, keeping the boredom at bay. My only rule? Never at the same time. Vicky, especially, was a handful, always "supplying" me with a fresh mountain of homework every time she dropped by.
Then, out of nowhere, an invitation arrived for a world-class event in London—the Connelly Masquerade Ball. The catch? It wasn't happening for another year.
Fine, I can wait.
I was on cloud nine regardless, and it was all thanks to my friend. He even promised to put me up at his place if I made the trip. And I was going. No matter the cost.
One boring afternoon, my mother appeared at my doorstep holding a tiny basket. A small kitten was trying its best to peek over the edge. I let out a literal squeal of delight at the sight of the little creature. Hobbling forward as fast as I could, I scooped him into my arms.
Heavens, what a delicate little thing.
"So, what are we naming him?" Mom asked, sitting beside me on the sofa and stroking the kitten.
"Shadow?" I suggested with a playful grin.
"You have such a vivid imagination, Lily. I expected more," Mom teased, clearly unimpressed by my lack of originality.
"Fine. Sheldon, then," I said, more seriously this time.
"Ugh, you've been binge-watching your shows again," she sighed, catching the reference to The Big Bang Theory. "But I like it. Sheldon it is."
"Yes!" I cheered, hugging the kitten. The poor thing was practically trembling. I couldn't blame him—some crazy girl screaming 'Yes' at the top of her lungs would terrify anyone.
Later, I fed him some kitten-specific treats and tucked him into bed beside me like a newborn. Mom watched the whole process quietly before breaking the news: this was an early birthday present. The domestic bliss was shattered the moment her phone rang.
Another business trip? Seriously? It stung like hell knowing I'd be spending my eighteenth birthday alone. Well, maybe with Christopher, but that wasn't a given. But definitely not with Mom. She looked guilty, but "duty called." It sucked. Big time.
I woke up to Sheldon thoroughly "washing" my face. Today was the day.
I had zero desire to get out of bed, so I spent a while rolling around, playing with the cat. He left scratches on my hands and legs—blood was drawn, but I didn't care. I was born exactly at noon, and by the time I checked the clock, I'd already slept past the hour.
The clock ticked loudly. I sighed just as loudly, the weight of being alone finally sinking in.
Happy birthday, Lily. Want some cake? You know, the one you bought yourself at the supermarket yesterday so you wouldn't have to leave the house today? Of course you do.
The notifications started flooding in. My mobile provider, my ISP, and some random online store offering a 50% discount. How touching. Truly.
Then, a familiar ping made me frown in anticipation. Finally, a real message—Vicky. It was packed with so many wishes I felt my brain cells starting to melt.
"You're 18, Lily! Green light! ;)"
I actually laughed out loud at that. Even Sheldon seemed to be smirking. And then, a call from Collins flashed on the screen.
Why is my ringtone so terrible?
"Hello?"
"Why the long face, Birthday Girl?"
"Turning eighteen is always depressing."
"Not true," I could practically feel Chris smirking through the line. A sudden wave of goosebumps raced across my skin. "I have a surprise for you."
"A surprise?" I bit my lip, my heart skipping a beat.
"You'll find out tonight. Happy birthday, Lily!"
He hung up, leaving me spiraling in thought. Did I like surprises? Well, if they were from Christopher... then yes.