Joaquin stood frozen in the doorway.He blinked once, twice, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. There was Serena, smiling brightly despite the dark circles under her eyes. Beside her was Jasmine, holding one end of a long banner that read “Congratulations, Joaquin!” in bold, silver letters. The cake Serena was holding wobbled slightly in her hands, the tiny candle on top flickering from the breeze of the open door.Joaquin’s heart thudded in his chest, a strange warmth blooming in the center of his ribcage. He hadn’t realized just how much he needed this. Needed her.“Surprise!