Everyone gathered around the table, their voices raised in cheerful unison.
"Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday dear Ava… Happy birthday to you!"
Svetlana held Ava gently near the small cake, her arm wrapped securely around her daughter's waist as Damon stood beside them with a proud grin.
The cake was topped with a soft pink "1" candle flickering in the center, surrounded by a small ring of white icing and cartoon animal decorations.
Ava blinked at the flame, wide-eyed, her mouth open with wonder. Damon leaned in close and whispered, "Go on, baby. Blow it out."
She giggled, then gave a small puff, more of a spit than anything, but the candle flickered. She did it again, and with Damon's subtle help behind her, the little flame finally vanished.
Cheers broke out.
Everyone clapped, laughing and whistling, while Theo jumped and shouted, "She did it! She blowed it!"
