The entire day dragged on in dull monotony, though she didn't dwell on it for long. She was used to this kind of quiet. Living alone had taught her not to expect surprises no lavish birthday parties, no expensive gifts wrapped in shiny paper. Those things had never been her wishes anyway. All she had ever longed for was love.
Instead, she'd been given loneliness.
With nothing better to do, she decided to indulge herself a little. Switching on her phone, she opened YouTube and searched for videos on homemade face scrubs simple recipes made from everyday kitchen ingredients. She let the videos play as she pampered herself, carefully tending to her manicure and pedicure, losing herself in the routine.
After her shower, she stood before the mirror, studying her reflection with a critical eye.
Her skin was pale. Her bosom full. Her stomach neither flat nor round just… normal. Her waist wasn't tiny, but it curved softly into wide, hourglass hips and thick thighs. And then there was the scar. A cruel, jagged reminder slashed across her ribs, impossible to ignore, whispering ugly truths she didn't want to hear.
Overall, she thought bitterly, she looked fat.
That was what they always called her.
Fatty.
It wasn't her fault. She hadn't chosen this body. It was written in her blood, inherited from her mother.
The thought of her mother made her chest ache.
Tears burned her eyes as she slipped on her bathrobe and walked to the cupboard, pulling out the framed family photograph she kept hidden away. Her fingers trembled as she traced the faces of her parents through the glass, tears spilling freely down her cheeks.
She remembered how they used to celebrate her birthday how the house would be filled with laughter, friends, warmth, and love.
Now, there was nothing left of that life.
She was alone.
Yet, even through her grief, gratitude surfaced. God had given her one blessing Alfonso. The brother she'd never been born with, but the only family she had left. The only person she truly belonged to.
At exactly eight o'clock, she was ready. She slipped into black jeans and pulled on an oversized hoodie long enough to cover her hips. A cap went over her head, a mask over her face. She waited quietly until Alfonso arrived.
Ten minutes later, they were on their way.
Once they were far from her neighborhood, she removed her cap and let her hair fall loose around her shoulders.
Alfonso took her to a fancy restaurant one glance told her it was expensive. Her unease crept in as they were seated at a table by the window and handed menus.
"We could've gone somewhere else," she said hesitantly after seeing the prices.
Alfonso rolled his eyes. "It's your birthday, Sof. Don't worry." He smiled, and just like that, her anxiety melted away.
The waiter approached, and Alfonso nodded as they placed their orders. Sofía chose lasagna; Alfonso ordered steak with red wine. She was eighteen now legally allowed to drink but the good girl in her refused to touch alcohol, and Alfonso never pushed her.
She wasn't dressed like the others in the restaurant. No elegant dresses or sparkling heels. She'd expected a regular café or diner. Still, she liked it here.
They ate while Alfonso animatedly talked about his games, about his team and how they'd qualified for the finals. Despite being an athlete and fairly popular, he never acted like it. With her, he was just Alfonso.
When they finished eating, a waiter suddenly appeared with a small chocolate cake, candles flickering softly.
Alfonso stood up and began singing.
A wide smile spread across her face as she closed her eyes, made a wish, and blew out the candles.
She cut the cake and fed him first. He returned the favor and then smeared chocolate cream on her cheek, making her burst into laughter.
They shared the cake, and Alfonso paid the bill without letting her see the total. She calculated it anyway, silently promising herself she'd spend just as much if not more on his birthday.
They left the restaurant and began walking toward the bus stop, taking their time beneath the night sky.
"I really enjoyed today, Alfonso," she said softly, happiness warming her voice.
"This is for you." He handed her a rectangular box wrapped neatly in gift paper.
Her lips curved into a grin. "Can I open it?"
He nodded. "Go ahead."
Inside was a beautiful bracelet. Her name Sofía engraved in delicate gold, dangling softly.
She loved it.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, carefully placing it in her bag.
"I need to talk to you about something," Alfonso said quietly.
Her brows furrowed. His serious tone made her nervous he was rarely like this.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Let's sit in the park."
They walked over and sat on a bench. Sofía's heart thudded uneasily. Whatever this was, she knew she wouldn't like it.
"You know I applied to play soccer at Real Madrid CF," he began.
She nodded.
"I got selected as a trainee."
A squeal escaped her before she could stop it. She jumped up, eyes shining. "Oh my God!"
He laughed, pulling her back down beside him.
"But… I have to go to Madrid."
Her heart sank, though she forced her smile to stay in place.
"So what's the problem?" she asked lightly.
"I leave tomorrow."
Pain flickered across his face. She knew if she asked him to stay, he would but she refused to be that selfish.
"I'm so happy for you," she said gently. "Why the sad face?"
"I don't want to leave you alone."
Her chest tightened.
"It's okay," she murmured. "I can live alone. But I can't live knowing you gave up your dream because of me."
He stared at her, stunned.
"Sofía, I"
She shook her head. "You're my brother from another mother. I want what's best for you. Just… call me every day."
He chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "It's a big deal, little sis."
They were lost in the warmth of the moment when a deep, feral growl tore through the night behind them.
"MATE!"
Sofía turned sharply.
Her breath hitched.
Her eyes widened as they collided with enraged forest-green ones burning straight into her soul.