The dream was so vivid, so real that I could smell the birthday cake. Fresh strawberries and vanilla, my favorite. Thirteen candles glowed brightly as everyone sang.
"Make a wish, Sera!" Kaelen's voice, still boyish before it deepened, urged me on.
There they were—my three best friends in the world. Thirteen-year-old Kaelen, his green eyes dancing with excitement. Ronan, his dimples on full display as he grinned. And Orion, quieter than his brothers but watching me with such warmth that my heart fluttered.
I closed my eyes and blew out the candles in one breath, wishing that we'd always be together.
"What'd you wish for?" Orion asked, leaning close.
"Can't tell," I replied, tapping his nose. "Or it won't come true."
"I bet I know," Ronan teased, throwing an arm around my shoulders. "She wished for Kaelen to stop being so bossy."
"I'm not bossy," Kaelen protested, but he was smiling too.
