Side chapter: How I fell for Riley
I woke up with a start, the sunlight streaming through my bedroom window, casting a warm glow across my room. Today, I was nine years old, and in just a few days, I would be turning ten.
The thought filled me with a mix of excitement and anxiety. My parents were planning a grand banquet for my anniversary, and although I was looking forward to it, the idea of so many people attending made my stomach flutter with nerves.
I stretched my arms above my head, shaking off the remnants of sleep, and slid out of bed. The cool marble floor beneath my feet sent a shiver up my spine, waking me up further.
I padded over to the bathroom, eager to start my day. The sound of water splashing against the tiles was soothing as I stepped into the shower, letting the warmth envelop me.
As I dried off and wrapped myself in a fluffy towel, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. My red hair fell in fiery waves around my shoulders, still damp from the shower.