I should’ve known my birthday would go off the rails the second I saw my niece and nephew whispering like tiny villains. I had just turned 30, and for once, I felt amazing—new hair, perfect dress, and the kind of confidence that only comes from finally putting yourself first. The backyard buzzed with laughter, barbecue, and clinking glasses. But Ava and Lily were already causing chaos, nearly shoving my elderly neighbor into the pool.

When I saw them whispering and pointing at me, I knew they were planning to push me in. Jessica, their mom, saw it too—and smirked. So, I stepped aside just as they lunged. SPLASH. They hit the water, phones in hand. The backyard froze. Jessica screamed about the iPhones. Not the kids—just the phones.

The next day, she texted me a link to buy two new ones, saying it was my fault for “letting” them fall. I laughed and told her not to bother making me feel guilty. I thought it was over—until she showed up with balloons. She was ready to host Ava’s birthday party at my house. I shut that down real fast.

She ranted in my driveway until Mrs. Thompson walked over, phone in hand. She had video of the kids trying to push her into the pool. Jessica turned ghost-white and left without another word.

The next day, Jessica texted: “Ava’s party was a disaster because of you.”

I just smiled and replied:
“Oh, I am. Thanks for checking.”