On Our 21st Birthday, We Received a Mysterious Box—We Gasped When We Saw What Was Inside

with friends. Leila arrived ten minutes after I did, wearing a cream sweater and the guarded expression she had perfected over the years.

“Happy birthday,” I said.

“You too,” she replied.

We hugged, but it was careful. Brief. Like we were both afraid of leaning in too hard.

Mom had decorated the dining room anyway. Gold balloons floated near the window.continue reading …