**The Unexpected Surprise**
On the eve of my birthday, I found myself sitting on my bed, the soft glow of fairy lights twinkling around the room. I had always loved my birthday—not just for the cake and presents, but for the feeling of being celebrated. This year, however, I had decided to keep it low-key, opting out of a big gathering in favor of a quiet night with a few close friends.
The clock struck midnight, and my phone buzzed. A stream