The mother and daughter hugged each other and cried, their feelings plain and true. Eve was moved too, and quietly wiped away a tear. “That’s such a touching bond between mother and daughter.”
“Ooh~ So even cool, collected Big Sis Eve can cry?” Caro giggled behind her hand.
“Sure. Fighting’s one thing, but I’m still a woman, you know. I have feelings too.” Eve smiled without embarrassment.
“Yeah, this scene got to me too. My parents, on the other hand, only come looking for me so we can spar. They beat me black and blue every time, so I’m too embarrassed to come visit Elina.” Caro pouted and grumbled.
“Haha, maybe that’s just how your parents show their love. And once you’re stronger, you’ll be better able to fight for your own future.” Eve spoke earnestly, like she was imparting some hard-won wisdom.
“No way. I don’t want fighting to be their way of teaching me... Though maybe it does help a little...” Caro didn’t say that last part out loud, but she had to admit it seemed to work, at least a bit. If she hadn’t trained regularly and built up her strength, she couldn’t imagine what terrible thing might’ve happened when frail Elina was pinned beneath such a heavy bookshelf. If she’d been just one step too late to save Elina, she’d have regretted it for the rest of her life. But luckily, she’d made it in time.
Eve looked at Caro’s awkward little pout and chuckled. “You’ll understand someday.”
“All right, all right, enough of this talk! It’s Elina’s birthday today, so we can’t let things get so gloomy. Let’s liven things up!” Caro suggested, waving her little hand.
“Mm, Caro’s right. It’s our daughter’s birthday, after all. Come on, everyone, cheer up. No need to be so serious. I’ll go bring out the cake.” Alaya nodded, wiped away her tears, and smiled.
“Yay! Cake time!” Elina cheered, practically hopping with joy.
After all, as a shut-in otaku, she’d never eaten cake before. Once her parents were gone, she’d had no chance to splurge on something so luxurious. She’d just treated herself to fried chicken and a Coke.
Seeing Elina full of energy again made Caro and Eve genuinely happy. The whole group spoiling Elina rotten wasn’t just talk—we’re all devoted Elina-only fans, okay!
A little while later, Alaya came over with a plate of chocolate cake and set it on the table. Everyone gathered around curiously. The number 12 had been drawn in cream in the middle of the cake to celebrate Elina’s birthday, and an assortment of fruit had been arranged in the shape of a little cat. It looked pretty and would help cut the richness, too. Alaya had clearly put a lot of thought into it.
The candles were stuck in one corner. They’d blow them out and pull them out right away—eating candle wax wasn’t good for you.
“Sweetie~ Mommy made this cake just for you~ Are you happy~?” Alaya asked eagerly.
“Mm, I’m super happy! Thank you, Mom! But can we hurry up and eat it?” Elina’s eyes sparkled, and drool was already running down her chin. The smell of that cake was just too tempting for a cat!
Eve and Caro could only look on helplessly. It felt like one cake would be enough to lure away this mischievous Little Kitty. They were seriously worried she’d be too innocent someday and get hurt by some scumbag.
“Hey~ Don’t rush. Before you eat, Elina has one more task: blow out the candles, then make a wish in your heart. It might come true~” Alaya tapped Elina on her little nose and smiled, then turned and snapped her fingers.
“Snap!”
A tiny spark flared at Alaya’s fingertip. She brushed it lightly past the candle and lit it.
“There we go~ Blow out the candles~” Alaya lovingly stroked Elina’s little head.
......
