Section 3
As the last streamers were hung and the balloons floated lazily in the corners of the living room, Natalie’s phone buzzed angrily against the countertop. The hospital's number flashed on the screen, and her heart raced as she snatched it up.
"Natalie, it’s Dr. Reed,"
the familiar voice echoed in her ears.
"I’m calling to update you on Meline’s condition."
Her stomach twisted. “What’s wrong?”
"There have been some complications. We need to monitor her more closely."
A chill washed over her. “What kind of complications?”
"It’s too early to say. I’ll keep you posted."
As the call ended, Natalie's grip on the phone tightened. She felt sick, torn between this reality and her family's incessant demands. She padded back into the chaos of Celeste's birthday preparations, the laughter of her relatives piercing her like a knife.
"Natalie, we need the cake setup! What’s taking you so long?"
Her mother’s voice rang out, shrill and impatient. Her heart thudded in her chest. “Meline is in trouble, Mom! I just got off the phone with the doctor.”
"Not now, Natalie!"
Celeste waved off her concern, her face smeared with frosting as she snatched a slice of cake. “All of this is for me!”
Frustration bubbled inside Natalie. “Can’t you all see what’s happening? My daughter is fighting for her life!”
"We can’t let one incident ruin our day!"
Her father’s voice boomed. “You're making this about you! Celeste deserves her day.”
The absurdity of it all hit Natalie like a wave. “No, you’re missing the point! Meline deserves her mother—”
But the words fell flat, lost in the noise of laughter and celebration.
Section 4
The party was in full swing: kids ran wild, balloons bobbed above the laughter, and music blared from the speakers. Yet, amidst the chaos, Natalie felt like a ghost, disconnected and desperate to hold onto news about Meline. She clutched her phone like a lifeline, willing it to ring.
As she searched for a quiet corner, her eyes caught Celeste joking with her friends, amusement lighting up her face. “Can you believe Meline might actually miss my party? That’s such a tragedy!”
Nataly's throat tightened. How could her sister be so callous?
"That's not funny, Celeste!"
She blurted, anger bubbling over. “Meline is in serious condition!”
The room fell silent. Celeste’s smile faltered. “Come on, lighten up. It’s just a joke.”
But Natalie couldn't. “It's not just a joke! It’s my daughter!”
"You're overreacting,"
her mother chimed in, a look of disdain crossing her face. “Focus on the party. She’ll be fine.”
Her heart felt heavy, the weight of betrayal pressing down. Just as she turned to escape the scene, her phone vibrated again. Thrumming with urgency, she hesitated before answering.
"Natalie, it's the hospital. We need you to come back. It’s Meline."
The world shifted under her feet. “What happened?”
"Her condition has worsened."
In a moment of brewing tension at the birthday party, Natalie felt her breath catch. The laughter and music faded away as panic surged within her. Without another word, she dashed for the door, her heart pounding with every step as fear gripped her.
