RYLIE
"Happy birthday, Rylie." Everyone around the table chorused in unison.
This time, I couldn't hold back my tears. I looked around at their smiling faces, and the realization hit me—these people had gone to great lengths to make this day memorable and sweet for me. In the absence of my real family, I had found another. My tears fell harder.
"Thank you," I whispered, choking on a sob. "Thank you."
"Make a wish," Jobi urged.
Closing my eyes, I wished for the only thing I'd always wanted; that my family and friends would be safe and happy by the end of this. Then, I opened my still teary eyes.
The warmth of their faces, their kind looks, it was more than a stranger deserved, and I was a stranger. I had found a peace I thought was impossible and I vowed within me to protect it.
