The instant my father looked at his ringing phone, the color drained from his face.
Five seconds earlier, everyone had been laughing.
My sister Kayla still wore her ridiculous blue-and-white flower crown. Mom had one proud hand on her shoulder. My aunt held up her phone, recording what she probably imagined would become another perfect family video.
And my birthday cake—the one I had bought for myself—sat untouched at the far end of the table.
Dad stared at the caller ID.
Then at me.
“What did you do?”
I leaned
