"Happy birthday, Celeste."
Amara's voice broke in the quiet hospital room. Her voice was softer than the faint mechanical beeps, and gentler than the sterile hum of the vents. She squeezed Celeste's hands, small against her own, and let the silence sit a moment before filling it again.
"I love you," she whispered, her lips trembling as she sniffed. "You're important. I know the world would keep spinning on its axis without you, because it's cruel like that. It doesn't stop for anyone. But think of all the sunrises you'll miss if you don't come back."
Her throat tightened. She leaned closer, her forehead nearly brushing the blanket. She allowed her tears to spill freely now.
