#Chapter 264: Epilogue — Part II

Ava As the balloon hit me square in the face, I stumbled back, nearly losing my balance. Chris’s strong arm caught me, steadying me as a chorus of “Surprise!” filled the air. Our living room had been transformed, covered with balloons and streamers in shades of blue and silver. A banner hung across the fireplace, proclaiming “Happy 40th Birthday, Ava!” in glittering letters. And there, gathered around with broad grins on their faces, were the people I loved most in the world. “You... you did remember,” I breathed, turning to Chris with tears welling up like shimmering pools in my eyes. He grinned, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You know I’d never forget. Happy birthday, my love.” Leonard and Ophelia stepped forward, their four-year-old son, Max, clinging shyly to his mother’s leg. “Happy birthday, darling,” Ophelia said, enveloping me in a warm hug. “Thank you,” I whispered, squeezing her back. As we parted, I knelt down as best I could with my swo