PART 1

Denise Carter was a 28-year-old single mother who worked hard to provide a good life for her five-year-old daughter, Norah. For months, she saved every spare dollar to throw Norah the birthday party she had been dreaming about. To Norah, turning five was a huge milestone. She couldn’t stop talking about her purple princess dress, her blue-and-white birthday cake, and the moment everyone would sing her name.

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But Denise had always struggled with her  family’s favoritism. Her parents constantly treated her older sister Clare and Clare’s daughter, Olivia, as if they were more important. While Olivia received endless praise and attention, Norah was often overlooked.

On the day of the party, Denise decorated a community hall with streamers, balloons, and a beautiful winter-themed cake. Norah was thrilled, proudly telling everyone, “This is my party.” However, the mood changed when Denise’s family arrived. Olivia showed up wearing a princess dress nearly identical to Norah’s, and throughout the afternoon Denise noticed her parents and sister pushing Olivia into the spotlight.

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Norah noticed too.

PART 2

When it was finally time for the birthday cake, Norah stood beside the table, excited to blow out her five candles. The cake had her name written across the front, and all the guests gathered around to sing.

Then Denise’s mother insisted that Olivia stand beside Norah.

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When Denise politely reminded everyone that it was Norah’s birthday, her family dismissed her concerns. Her father even shifted the cake closer to Olivia.

Norah’s face fell.

“Those are my candles,” she whispered.