Born a Tree Not a Flower

Summary

I pulled three consecutive all-nighters to finish my research project early. I wanted to clear my schedule to celebrate Oliver’s birthday.

But instead of a text from him, my sister Zora’s Instagram DM popped up first: "Oh my god, Chicago is so much fun!"

The photo showed her and Oliver, heads tilted together, smiling.

My smile froze. "You're in Chicago?"

"Yeah! Got here three days ago. Wanted to surprise Oliver for his birthday!"

I stared at the screen, then calmly called Oliver.