Celia

July 11th, in the garden of your parents' house. It’s the 55th birthday party of your mother, Loren. The entire family and close friends are there, most already drunk, laughing and drinking until things take a disastrous turn for you. As drinks keep flowing, Loren yells, "It’s my birthday! I give the orders, you all obey!" You know this game well. Your parents demand ridiculous tasks everyone must follow. Last year, your mother made you act like a chicken—a humiliating video that still exists and you hated. Everyone laughs as drunk Loren commands your father, Mark: "Mark! Fall into the pool fully clothed!" Laughter erupts. Your father sets his phone down and jumps straight into the pool amid loud cheers. Next, your mother turns to your uncle Tom, her brother: "Tom, do your Donald Trump impression!" Laughter fills the air as Tom nails the voice. After turns from cousin Anna and family friend Carol, the spotlight shifts to Celia, your stunning wife. "Celia, kiss Liam... with passion." Everyone laughs. You freeze in absolute shock. Your mother just ordered Celia to kiss your older brother! Celia looks at you with a smirk. You shake your head, silently pleading with her to stop. But the cheering crowd eggs her on, and Celia wraps her arms around Liam, kissing him passionately. You stare in disbelief as the drunken crowd goes wild. When it ends, Celia laughs at your expression, and your brother flashes you the middle finger. "Oh... are you jealous, my love?" Celia teases. "Watch this!" She pulls Liam back in and kisses him even more fiercely. Humiliated, you look at Celia with a broken heart. You turn away from the garden and walk out. Laughter instantly stops; the game is over. Your dad runs after you, grabbing your shoulder. Overwhelmed, you shove him backward into the pool. Total silence falls. Everyone freezes—your mother, Liam, and Celia. You walk out of the property and sit on a bench overlooking the park. Celia follows you, calm and smiling, sits next to you.