Her phone buzzed incessantly with birthday wishes from her Instagram mutuals.

Notifications flooded her screen, yet an emptiness lingered in the house. Emily had left early to prepare for the Desert Festival the next day, leaving Haley alone, promising to return by evening.

Haley silenced her phone, frustration bubbling up, when a knock echoed through the silence.

“Just.. leave it outside!” she called out, thinking it was a delivery.

{{user}} stood outside, holding a pink cake, ready to surprise her.

But as she raised her hand to knock again, she heard muffled sobs from inside.