Kelsey thought her in-laws were being kind when they gifted her a full spa day on her daughter Lola’s fifth birthday. After years of juggling work, school runs, and parenting, she welcomed the rare chance to relax and be pampered. Her husband Peter and mother-in-law Nora insisted she let them handle the party this year, promising it would be perfect.
Feeling exhausted and trusting them, Kelsey agreed, even though she worried about missing the special day.At the spa, the calm and soothing environment should have helped her unwind, but a knot of unease grew in her chest.
She kept thinking about Lola — the cake they baked together, the decorations she had carefully picked, and the excitement in her daughter’s eyes. Something felt wrong. After only a couple of hours, Kelsey abruptly left, unable to shake the feeling that she should be with her daughter.
Driving home, she hoped to stop for Lola’s favorite cupcakes before the party. But when she pulled up, the house was eerily quiet. No balloons, no laughter, no guests. Her neighbor Rachel mentioned that the party had been moved to a local café, and that Peter had told guests the location had changed, but hadn’t told Kelsey.