The Grand Arrival

River bounced on her toes as she gazed up at her brand-new mansion. The white pillars gleamed in the afternoon sun, and crystal chandeliers sparkled through the tall windows.

"I can't believe this is really mine!" she squealed, her copper curls dancing as she spun around.

Her three best friends—Maya, Zoe, and Sam—stood beside her with their mouths hanging open.

"River, this place is enormous!" Maya gasped, adjusting her glasses.

"And you made all the money for this yourself?" Zoe asked, her dark ponytail swishing as she craned her neck to see the roof.

"With my cupcake delivery app!" River beamed. "Who knew people loved desserts brought right to their door?"

Sam whistled low. "You're like, a real businesswoman now."

River grabbed their hands. "Come on! I ordered enough food for an army. We're going to have the best welcome feast ever!"

They raced up the marble steps, backpacks bouncing, ready for the celebration of a lifetime.

The Morning After

The dining room table stretched longer than River's old bedroom. Platters covered every inch—pizza towers, hamburger mountains, and dessert castles that made her eyes sparkle.

"This is incredible!" Maya pushed her glasses up her nose as she stared at the feast.

"I ordered from twelve different restaurants," River grinned. "Tonight, we eat like queens!"

They dove in with abandon. Sam grabbed three slices of pizza at once. Zoe stuffed her face with chocolate cake while reaching for more fries. River giggled as frosting smeared across her freckled cheek.

"More ice cream!" Zoe called out, already halfway through her second bowl.

Hours later, they collapsed on the massive living room couches, their bellies round and full. One by one, they drifted off to sleep right there, too content and tired to move.

Morning sunlight streamed through the crystal windows. River stirred first, then froze. Her shirt had popped open during the night, her belly peeking out above her pajama pants.

"Um, guys?" she called softly.

Maya, Zoe, and Sam were in the same state—shirts unbuttoned, round bellies on display.

River started giggling. "We look like stuffed teddy bears!"