I found myself constantly moving between the kitchen and living room, refilling lemonade pitchers, arranging snacks on plates, and making sure every child had what they needed. Sophie ran back and forth, her cheeks flushed pink with pure joy, showing off the friendship bracelets her friends had already given her.
At one point, she tugged on my sleeve with sticky fingers. “Mom, can I please have some lemonade? I’m really thirsty from all the running around.”
“Of course, sweetheart,” I said, smiling as I nodded toward the kitchen. “There’s a fresh pitcher in the refrigerator. Just be careful not to spill it on your pretty dress.”
She skipped away, her pink birthday dress swishing as she headed toward the kitchen. I turned back to chat with one of the other mothers about where I’d found the adorable party favors. Then everything changed in an instant.
A scream pierced through the happy chatter and laughter.
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