Chapter 36 The Birthday Morning

• The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on Sophie’s face as her eyes fluttered open. She blinked against the brightness, slowly coming to. Her blurry vision cleared to reveal her mother, Maria, standing at the edge of the bed, grinning widely.
• Sophie startled, clutching her chest. “Jeez, Mom. You scared me.” She said, sitting up on the bed.
• Maria's smile only grew as she rocked back and forth, something hiding behind her back. She seemed more excited than Sophie had ever seen her.