The picnic was beautiful.
Fairy lights hung in the trees. Blankets covered the grass. I spent the morning arranging flowers and preparing everything carefully.
Daniel’s relatives came. My sister brought cupcakes and hugged me tightly.
Even Mark showed up—with Jason.
Sarah didn’t.
Jason ran straight to Ellie.
“I’m sorry Grandma was mean to you,” he said. “I told her I didn’t like it. You’re like my sister, Ellie. I’ll never be like her.”
Ellie blinked, surprised—then smiled warmly.
She ran inside.
Moments later, she returned with the gold gift bag.
“I saved it,” she said. “I just wanted you to have it.”
“You still brought me a gift?” Jason asked.
“Of course,” she said. “It’s your birthday.”

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