Aurelia’s POVCassia slept in my room that night, we just couldn’t stop talking. Every time one of us said “Okay, last story,” another memory came up, followed by laughter, then another round of “remember when…” We talked until our voices grew hoarse, until sleep finally pulled us under like a soft tide.By morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, and the sound of Oliver humming in the kitchen woke us. It was Saturday, his favorite day of the week, and he already looked excited for his birthday tomorrow.While Oliver settled with his homework and cartoons, Cassia and I transformed the kitchen into a festival. The scent of vanilla, chocolate, and butter filled the air as we baked a large layered cake, mini cupcakes, and trays of small chops. Flour dusted our faces and aprons, and Cassia, in her usual dramatic fashion, declared herself the “Pastry Queen of Canada.”Every now and then, Oliver would sneak in, pretending to “check on us,” but really, he just wanted to taste. Cassi
Last Updated : 2026-02-03 Read more