Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert had been married for fifteen long years. Years filled with silent prayers, hospital visits, and endless hope that one day, their home would no longer be quiet.
Then, when it seemed like time had run out, their miracle arrived.
Amanda.
She was perfect—ten fingers, ten toes, soft curls, and eyes like sunlight through honey. The birth of Amanda was more than a joy; it was a breakthrough. To the Gilberts, she was their answered prayer, their light after years of waiting.
She was pampered by all—grandparents, uncles, neighbors. Amanda lacked nothing. Her room looked like a royal nursery: soft rose-gold walls, hand-sewn blankets, imported toys stacked to the ceiling, and a crib carved from rich mahogany.
More than luxury, she was surrounded by love. Mr. Gilbert, usually serious and reserved, became a playful father. Mrs. Gilbert never let Amanda out of her sight. Every sneeze brought a doctor. Every scraped knee was a family meeting.
Amanda was happy.
But Amanda was alone.
As the only child, her world was filled with adults. She spoke more like them than kids her age. She knew how to fold napkins perfectly before she learned to ride a bike. At parties, she'd sit beside her mother, watching other children play from a distance she didn't know how to cross.
Then came her fifth birthday.
The house was packed with guests and bright balloons. Children ran through the yard, playing tag and giggling. Amanda stood by the window, her new princess dress sparkling in the light, but her eyes weren't on the cake or the presents.
They were watching the other kids.
She didn't want a doll. She didn't want a bigger dress.
She wanted a friend.
Someone her size. Someone to laugh with. Someone to understand her silences.
That night, after the party had ended and the house fell quiet again, Amanda made a wish—her first real wish.
A wish for something… more.
She didn't know it yet, but that wish would change everything forever