Chapter 6: The Sleepless and the Broken Part 1

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“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you!” Two voices sing out, as I stare into a brightly lit cake with the words ‘Aka 15th’ written on it.

“Happy birthday dear Aka, happy birthday to youuu!” As they finish singing, one of them… my dad, picks me up in his arms as I blow out my candles.

“Look at you! You’re growing up so quickly!” He says, smiling and laughing as he swings me around.

“Daaad, I’m not a kid anymore, you don’t have to treat me like one!” I complain, trying to wriggle my way out of his grasp. The other one… my mom, snaps a picture of us, and I can’t help but smile.

“You may be growing up to be almost on my level, but you’ll never stop being my Lil’ Einstein!” He exclaims, dropping me and giving me a peck on the forehead, “Now who’s hungry?”

“I know I am,” Mom said, putting down her camera and walking towards me, “But I think the birthday girl should get the first slice. It’s her special day after all!”