It was the twins' birthday, and the day started with Blizz getting up before Lizz. She stepped out of her room and freshened up. It was Sunday, so they were at home. After getting ready, Blizz went into the kitchen and began gathering ingredients to prepare dishes for their birthday.
After about an hour, Rosy came downstairs, yawning. "What is this noise so early in the morning? Why do you have to get up so early, dear? These utensils are making such loud noises — it feels like I'm in a construction zone!"
"Come on, Mom! I didn't sleep the entire night," said Blizz excitedly, though with a hint of guilt. She added, "And how could I? IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! YAHOO! I'm going to make my favorite chocolate cake, chocolate cookies, and for something spicy, chicken noodle soup...and...and—"
"OK! Stop," interrupted Rosy, holding up her hand. "I know you're excited, but it's just six in the morning, and the party isn't until seven in the evening! Anyway, you don't have to do all this, got it? We've booked a room at Starlight Hotel, so they'll probably prepare everything for the party. Just don't overdo it, okay?"
"Fine. But I'm making these things myself, and no further questions!" replied Blizz firmly.
Rosy walked away, shaking her head with a small smile, knowing her daughter wouldn't listen.
.
.
Evening arrived, and Lizz and Blizz were in their room at the Starlight Hotel with their parents. Suddenly, the doorbell rang.When Blizz opened the door, she was greeted by her friends — but someone else was there too. Erik stood among them, looking shy. He stepped forward and stammered, "H...hi."
Blizz glanced at him, then at her friends, wearing a confused expression. Sensing the moment, Leah chimed in,"Well, we met him while we were out gift shopping yesterday. So, we told him about the party and invited him along. Anyway, we do have enough cake for an extra person, right?"
Not that Blizz minded Erik's presence; she smiled and stepped aside to let him in. Erik thanked her softly.
Soon after, Flora joined the group, carrying brightly wrapped presents.
.
.
The cake was cut, and everyone cheered as Blizz and Lizz blew out the candles together, their excitement lighting up the room.The rich, chocolatey cake was quickly served, drawing smiles and compliments from everyone.
As the music started, the atmosphere turned lively. Blizz and Lizz's friends danced with enthusiasm, and Rosy joined in, clapping to the beat alongside the twins' dad. Clara's jokes had everyone laughing, while Flora brought out colorful party hats to add a playful touch to the celebration.Erik, initially shy, was gently encouraged by Blizz to join the dancing crowd, and his hesitant moves soon drew cheers and support.
The room buzzed with energy — jokes, dancing, and stories filling every corner.Blizz and Lizz were glowing. It truly felt like the perfect birthday celebration.
.
.
It was almost midnight when, after the lively party, everyone decided to take a night walk on the beach.Rosy and her husband drove half the group, while Erik took the rest.The cool night breeze greeted them as they stepped onto the soft sand, illuminated by the silvery glow of the moonlight. The gentle sound of waves rolling onto the shore created a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere.
As they wandered along the beach, chatting and laughing, Amy suddenly piped up, "Hey! Let's play hide and seek!"Her voice carried an infectious enthusiasm that made everyone pause.
Blizz raised an eyebrow. "Hide and seek? On the beach? Isn't that for kids?" she said, half-teasing but clearly intrigued.
Leah grinned mischievously. "Come on, Blizz! What's wrong with being a little childish sometimes? Besides, it's dark, and the beach is the perfect spot for it!"
A few others chimed in, agreeing enthusiastically, while Rosy, standing nearby, chuckled and said, "Well, as long as no one ends up getting lost!"
Blizz rolled her eyes playfully but finally gave in, saying, "Alright, fine. But no cheating!"
The group broke into laughter and quickly set up the rules.Everyone sprinted off to find hiding spots behind dunes and outcroppings, while Erik counted.
Even May and Clara, who had initially thought the idea was silly, couldn't resist joining in as the energy of the group swept them along.
.
.
After a while, one by one, everyone was found — Flora, Clara, Amy, May, and Leah all emerged from their hiding spots, laughing and brushing sand off their clothes. But no matter how much they searched, Lizz and Blizz were nowhere to be seen.
The beach was vast, scattered with towering rocks and small cliffs that cast long, shadows under the moonlight.Concern began to gnaw at the group's excitement as they called out the twins' names, their voices lost in the whispering wind.
Suddenly, May squinted toward the distant rocky outcrops, her heart skipping a beat.
Far ahead, three figures lay sprawled on the ground, barely visible in the dim, silvery light. A wave of panic surged through May. Without thinking, she slowly walked toward them — and as she drew closer, her eyes widened in horror.
Blood, Dark and vivid, staining the pale sand around one of the bodies.
She let out a loud, piercing scream.
Everyone turned sharply at the sound and raced after her, fear pounding in their chests.
Rosy, sensing something terribly wrong, cried out, "Move! Let me through!" and sprinted ahead, her heart pounding wildly.
As they reached the scene, a wave of horror crashed over them — it was Lizz and Blizz, lying limp and motionless on the sand... and next to them, an unfamiliar third figure.
One of the twins was bleeding heavily, the dark red stain spreading fast beneath them, soaking into the sand.
Rosy dropped to her knees beside her daughters, sobs wracking her body as she clutched them desperately, her voice breaking into cries.
Without wasting a second, they all scrambled toward the cars. Rosy clutched one of the twins tightly against her chest, while Leah gently carried the other.
Allen jumped into the driver's seat, his face pale, and without hesitation, he slammed his foot on the accelerator, speeding toward the hospital. The tires spun fast on the road, the car jerking forward with urgency.
Inside, the silence was unbearable except for Rosy's muffled sobs. She kept calling her daughter's name, her hands trembling as she stroked her pale face.
Then, barely able to get the words out, Rosy gasped through her tears, "A...Allen... sh-she's not... br-breathing..."
Allen's heart ached painfully, but he didn't let it show. He gritted his teeth, leaning harder on the accelerator. "Hang in there! We're almost there, Rosy! Hold on!" he said, his voice determined.
Rosy hugged her daughter tighter, her cries growing more desperate. Leah, sitting next to her, silently held the other twin, tears streaming down her face.
The night outside rushed past them in a blur, but all Rosy could focus on was the weakening warmth in her arms — praying with every beat of her heart that they would make it in time.