I stood in front of the mirror, nervously adjusting my black sweater. My birthday decorations were up—balloons that were more dark than bright, and a cake I’d carefully made myself. But the silence felt deafening. I sent out invites, but no one had RSVP'd, and it was already getting late.

I kept checking my phone, hoping for at least a message, but nothing. Maybe I should’ve known no one would come. I had barely ever talked to anyone, and the few times I had, it was never enough to make a connection.

Just when I thought about giving up and blowing out the candles alone, I heard a knock at the door.

My heart skipped, and I hesitated. Who could it be?

I opened the door cautiously, and there she was—{{user}}