FIRST TIMERS' KISS

g through. She cleared her throat, tapped the mic, and calle

wrapped in shimmering gold paper, topped with a giant red bow

air. Lilian stepped closer, her excitement bubbli

" Zoe whispered, her

an't be an owl. Maybe it's a snake.

, pulling back. "That'

arply, nudging them both.

ks a special day. You are officially stepping into adulthood, and I wanted to gift you something as unique and full of

box. Inside was a fluffy white puppy, wagging its tail and yipping happily.

ng up the puppy. "Grandma, it's perfect! This is

amed proudly. "Well, Lilian, this little

laughing. "Her name is Lilly. S

and Zoe reached out to pet Lilly.

being passed around for cuddles, while Dana's friends mingled and laughed. As the ni

lled with joy. "Especially my dear friends Nina an

d now, Lilian, my star, it's time for you to m

ces around her and then at Lilly in her arms. "I wish," she said with a smile

nly froze. Her expression shifted

now how long I've dreamed of going there too. But your late grandfather Mikael; may

ut now, our granddaughter shares my wish, and this time, I'm not letting it go.

ech, while others clapped warmly. Lilian hugged her grandmother

leaving everyone talking. As the last guests trickled out, the Le

at the young tabby cat lying on the stainless-steel surgery table. The cat, Luna, was sedated and completely sti

elf. "You've studied for years. You

e was overwhelming. She couldn't stop thinking about what would happen if something went wrong. The owner, Mrs. Johns

ves didn't settle. Emma's mind flas

n the backyard of their family home, trying

mma had said, holding the tiny bird

always. "Animals trust you, Emma. You jus

oed in her mind no

d taller. "I can do this. I just have t

the tray beside her. Luna was suffering from a twisted piece of intestine, a condition called int

y, locating the twisted section of Luna's intestine. Beads of sweat formed

he whispered, her

ed by Luna's condition, Emma didn't notice when the scissors slid into the open abdo

with careful stitches. She stepped back, exhaling d

ping her in a warm blanket. "You're going to feel bette

pite a lingering sense of unease, she convinced herself she had done everything

he could d

coffee and buttered toast filled the air. Plates of eggs, bacon, and fruit were spread out neatly, but

ss sparkled under the lights at her birthday party. It was the f

down her coffee cup and smiled. "Well, I must say, Lilian's birthday was

e blinked, but no words came out. He just nodded, fe

d. "Steal the show? That old woman nearly gave me a heart a

Royd, don't be so dull. Dana made her granddaugh

red, slicing through his toast. "She could've ton

ng back to Lilian. He could see her so clearly in his mind, the way she g

eyes and tilted her head. "Rowan, dear, ar

lings. "I'm fine, Mom. I was just thinking... about

son. Just keep your head down, be respectful, and you'll do fin

friends. University life isn't just about stu

grateful for the distracti

quiet. Deep down, he wasn't thinking about Crescent University at all. His mi

hrough Luna's chart. She had hoped the young cat would start improvin

itched every few moments, and her stomach appeared swollen.

nic creeping into her voice. Luna's c

y in her mind. She combed through the tray of instruments, checki

scis

ay over, desperately searching. The realization hit her

ered, her hands trembl

mind. She had left the scissors inside Luna. Her fir

before she could, the door swung open. Mrs. Joh

htingale?" she asked confidently, c

he stared at the cheerful woman. The

d Mrs. Johnson's trusting eyes were