Chapter 2

I opened my eyes to warm sunlight cutting across my face. My heart slammed against my ribs.

For a second I just lay there, staring at the ceiling of my own bedroom.

I sat up too fast such that the room spun. I swung my feet to the floor.

I crossed to the mirror and stopped.

The woman looking back had clear skin, dark circles gone, hair that still held its shine.

I lifted a hand and touched my own cheek like it might disappear.

My eyes drifted to the calendar on the wall. The date was circled in red ink.

"I am back....On my birthday....“ I murmured. "That's just a few months before the apocalypse hits.“

I stood there until my lungs remembered how to work.

Then the memories hit all at once.... I pressed my palms flat against the dresser and waited for the shaking to stop.

My heart sunk inside my chest deeper like it was reliving the heart ache I felt before the cold took my last breath away.

I clenched my fists, fuming with rage.

“Mom, Sammy...Daniel....I will get my revenge.“

The old me would have reached for the phone already. Called Daniel, texted Samantha and made plans to spend every last cent making sure they were ready.

That version of me had died in the snow.

I picked up my phone. One unread message waited on the lock screen.

*Happy birthday. *

I stared at the words until the screen dimmed, then deleted them without opening the thread. A small forced smile pulled at my mouth.

My phone buzzed again almost immediately.

*I’ll pick you up at seven. We need to pick a new menu for Samantha. You know she is delicate.*

I typed two letters and hit send. I wasn't going to start asking why we needed her menu. My past life already showed me more than I needed to know.

I set the phone face down and walked into the bathroom.

Under the shower I let the hot water run until my skin turned pink. When I stepped out and faced the mirror again, I met my own eyes and spoke quietly.

“This time I’m not going to be stupid.”

I dried my hair, put on a simple black dress instead of the tacky and expensive white gown Daniel gave me. But I had seen that dress before, On Sammy's recent posts.

Back then, I was foolish. I assumed she captured my dress to admire it. I didn't know we will end up matching outfits at my own birthday. And they made me apologize.

I left the house a few minutes after seven. Daniel was already waiting by the curb with a bouquet of pink roses...Clearly he forgot again. I loved red roses not pink.

The second I appeared he smiled the same wide smile I used to melt for.

“Happy birthday, Hazel.” He said, as if he was wishing his little sister instead of his girlfriend.

I took the flowers. Last time I had thrown my arms around his neck. This time I only nodded. “Thank you.”

He leaned in for my forehead. I turned just enough that his mouth brushed my hair instead. He pulled back, brow creasing for half a second, then shrugged it off.

“Come on. We’re already late. Sam’s waiting.”

I followed him to the car without answering...I was trying so hard not to snap.

As we past the city streets, my heart hurt for the innocent lives that would soon be saved.

And I knew warning them was not going to help.

In my last time, I picked up the weather updates earlier, I tried to warm the town but no one believed me. Mynown mother could not defend me when everyone called me crazy....

And now, none of them knew how little time they had left. I watched until the restaurant came into view and my stomach tightened.

“Surprise!”

I forced a smile the way people expected. Near the center of the table, stood Samantha in a white dress I remembered too well. Daniel’s gaze found her before it found me. The softness in his eyes lasted only a second, but it was enough.

Samantha crossed the space and pulled me into a tight hug. My eyes didn't leave her dress. I knew it. It was the exact same dress I choose not to wear this time.

“Happy birthday!” She chipped.

My arms stayed loose at my sides. “I’m glad you came.”

She stepped back, still smiling. “Of course. You’re my best friend.”

Best friend. The words sat wrong in my mouth. I only said, “Right,” and moved past her to an empty chair.

I pushed food around my plate and watched.

Samantha sat down and rubbed her arms once. Daniel’s hand was already in the air.

“Can we get a jacket over here? She’s cold.”

He took the jacket from the waiter and settled it over her shoulders himself, fingers smoothing the fabric at her collar before he sat back down.

A few minutes later she shifted in her seat then murmured, "this chair is digging into her back."

Without a word he stood, traded places with her,“You don't have to suffer when am here...You're too delicate my dear." And then waited until she was comfortable before he sat again.

She coughed lightly, Daniel leaned in at once, voice low.

“You need water? Want me to move you closer to the window?”

“I’m fine,” she said, soft. “Just a little tickle.”

“You sure? You’ve been quiet.”

“I’m sure.”

No one else at the table seemed to notice. I did. Every small gesture lined up with memories I used to explain away. The late-night calls. The way my mother always took her side. The impatience that used to creep into Daniel’s voice whenever I asked questions. Sitting here on my own birthday while the cake sat untouched in front of me, the blindness of the old me felt almost humiliating.

The cake arrived. Everyone gathered. Daniel stood on my right. Samantha stood on his other side. I looked at the candles and remembered the wish I had made last time—a happy future with him. That wish had cost me everything. This time I closed my eyes and wished for something colder. Then I blew the flames out.

Daniel leaned close. “What did you wish for?”

“It’s a secret.”

He smiled. “You know you can tell me anything.”

I met his eyes. “Not anymore.”

The smile flickered. Before he could answer, Samantha’s voice rose, bright and light.

“Oh, that reminds me—I saw the most gorgeous handbag last week. Soft leather, perfect size. I’ve been thinking about it nonstop.”

Daniel turned toward her immediately. “I’ll get it for you. Consider it an early gift.”

She lowered her lashes, the protest soft and practiced. “You don’t have to. It’s expensive.”

“It’s nothing. You deserve nice things.”

One of the guys across the table grinned and raised his glass. “At this rate we’re going to need a second birthday cake for Sam.”

A few people laughed. Samantha dipped her head, cheeks pink, and lowered her voice just enough that the words still carried.

“Don’t say that. It’s Hazel’s night.”

Daniel’s hand landed lightly on her shoulder as he looked around the table, smile easy and protective.

“She’s just joking, everyone. You know how Sam is. Always trying to make sure no one feels left out.”

More laughter. Samantha glanced at me through her lashes, the corner of her mouth still curved. Last time I would have forced a smile and told myself I was being sensitive. Tonight the truth sat heavy and clear: I had spent years looking the other way because I was too desperate to keep them happy.

Later, Samantha reached for the wine bottle. Her hand slipped. Red liquid arced across the table and landed in a long, dark stain down the front of my dress.

I looked down at it.

“Oh no,” Samantha said, eyes wide. “I’m so sorry—I didn’t mean—”

Daniel was already on his feet. He grabbed a stack of napkins and pressed them into her hands first.

“Are you okay? Did any get on you?”

“Just a little on my sleeve,” she answered, voice small.

Only then did he glance at me. His frown landed on the ruined fabric like the mess itself was an inconvenience.

“You should have moved. You’re being careless tonight.”

I stared at him. The man who used to swear I was the only one who mattered was more concerned with Samantha’s sleeve than the dress soaking through on my birthday.