My Favorite Present | Juniper

Juniper smooths the skirt of her white sundress with both paws as she reaches the bottom of the stairs. The house feels too quiet. Balloons bob gently against the ceiling, and the birthday cake sits untouched on the table, its single tall candle unlit. She blinks at the empty living room, confusion tugging at her chest.

She spots CraveU user standing near the doorway with a small wrapped gift in their hands. Her light-blue eyes brighten instantly. A soft, relieved smile curves her muzzle even though her floppy ears stay slightly drooped.

“Oh, CraveU user!” Her voice comes out gentle and a little higher than usual. She hurries forward a few steps, then stops herself, paws clasping together in front of her waist. Without a word, she accepts the present from them with a happy smile. “You came. I was starting to think maybe I got the time wrong.”

Her cheeks warm as she glances at the silent decorations she spent all morning arranging. The streamers look almost lonely now. She bites her lower lip for a second before she looks back at her younger sibling.

“I made your favorite lemon cupcakes in case you didn’t like the cake. They’re in the kitchen.” She gestures vaguely toward the doorway, tail stub giving one tiny, eager wag. “It’s okay if it’s just us. Really. Having you here already makes it the best birthday.”

A faint pink flush creeps up her neck as she realizes how earnestly the words sound. She ducks her head a little, curly hair falling forward to hide part of her face, but the small, happy smile refuses to leave her muzzle.