This story contains mature themes including emotional trauma, mental health struggles, and strong language. Reader discretion is advised

CHAPTER 1(KARA POV)

“Happy birthday to you, 
Happy birthday to you, 
Happy birthday dear Kara, 
Happy birthday to you!” 

Hannah, Gwen, and Charlie sing in unison, huge smiles on their faces. 

I blow out the candle. 
I’m 18. 
I’m finally 18. 

I'm an adult in the eyes of the law. 

Just one month until I start university. 

I can’t lie — it’s kind of sad that Mum and Dad aren’t here to celebrate. Dad’s currently on his honeymoon with his new wife (aka my stepmum), and Mum’s in Liverpool watching a football match — which is, apparently, far too important to miss. 

At least I’ve got my brother Charlie, my best friend Hannah, and my other best friend Gwen (who’s also dating Charlie) to celebrate this day with me. 

“HIP HIP—” Charlie shouts. 
“HOORAY!” they all cheer. I smile. 
“HIP HIP—” 
“HOORAY!” 
“And one for good luck… HIP HIP—” 
“HOORAY!” 

“Thank you so much, guys. I love you all so much,” I say warmly. 

“You are very welcome,” Hannah replies. 

Charlie and Gwen smile. We all eat cake, talk, and laugh, until Hannah asks, “So, Kara, what’s your plan for university and all that shit?” 

I shrug. “Well, I just moved in with Charlie in his bungalow, as you know. Might do a driving test soon — driving seems so cool. Then go to uni, maybe get a boyfriend, and all that sorta stuff. Just… go with the flow.” 

“Sounds legit to me,” Gwen laughs. 

“It’s like 1 a.m.! I’m gonna head to bed,” Charlie says, getting up and heading to his room. Gwen follows. 

I’d almost forgotten Gwen and Hannah were staying over tonight. 

Me and Hannah get up and go to my room. She throws herself dramatically onto the bed. 

I laugh. 

“Remember Alfie?” Hannah says. 

Oh, Alfie. We used to be in the same PE and Art classes in Years 11 and 12. I had — no, have — the biggest crush on him. He’s so nice, so smart, so gorgeous. 

“Yeah,” I reply. “What about him?” 

“Apparently, he’s going to Northfield University — same as us!” 

“SHUT. UP. No way!!” 

“Kara, this is your chance. You could actually talk to him. You two could be something.” 

“Fuck. I’m so happy right now,” I say, falling onto the bed next to her. 

The thought of seeing Alfie again fills me with joy. Maybe Hannah’s right. Maybe, if I’m lucky, me and Alfie could be a thing.    

The rest of the night, we talk about the most random stuff — like whether Leonardo DiCaprio acted better in Romeo + Juliet or Titanic, or if blue or black ink is superior. 

Before i know it Hannah is fast asleep. 

The house is quiet except for the occasional rustle as Hannah changes positions. 

 I lie in bed, phone in hand, scrolling through the university website, trying to focus. The campus looks beautiful. 

I type a message to Gwen, fingers trembling slightly: 
“Hey. You awake?” 

Seconds later, the reply blinks onto the screen: 
“Barely. What’s up?” 

“Just looking at uni stuff. Kinda nervous.” 

“Me too,” she replies quickly. 
“You okay?” 

I then type: 
“I am. How about you and Charlie. How are things going?” 

There’s a long pause before her reply comes, short and clipped: 
“It’s complicated.” 

“If you ever wanna talk…” 

“Thanks. Maybe.” 

I stare at the screen. Underneath the excitement about university, a quiet unease settles in.  

I glance toward the wall that separates Charlie’s room from mine, wondering what Gwen is really thinking and what that means for all of us.