The night was bitterly cold, the air sharp and biting as it nipped at exposed skin. Everything seemed to blur together in a whirl of motion and sound, the city streets alive with the hustle and bustle of its inhabitants. Yet amidst the chaos, one thing caught Eloise's attention—a family seated across the street, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight.
As she watched, they broke into song, their voices mingling in a chorus of joyous celebration. "Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Dear Lily! Happy Birthday to you." The melody floated through the crisp night air, filling it with warmth and merriment. The family laughed and hugged, their affection palpable even from a distance.
For a brief moment, Eloise felt a pang of longing, a desire for the kin
