Summer Celebrations

Momo stepped through the glass doors of Liam's enormous villa, her pink sundress swishing as she gazed at the sparkling pool surrounded by colorful party decorations. The summer air was warm and perfect for swimming.

"Momo! You made it!" Victoria rushed over, her dark hair bouncing in its high ponytail. She wore a bright yellow swimsuit with a matching cover-up.

"Of course I did. I wouldn't miss Liam's birthday party for anything," Momo said, adjusting her designer sunglasses.

Liam appeared from behind a cluster of balloons, his brown hair still damp from swimming. His green eyes lit up when he saw her.

"Hey, Momo. Thanks for coming," he said, his voice softer than usual.

Victoria nudged Momo with her elbow. "Did you bring a swimsuit? The pool looks amazing!"

Momo nodded, pulling her beach bag closer. She noticed how Liam kept glancing her way, something different in his expression that made her heart flutter unexpectedly.

The Sparrow's Secret

More kids splashed into the pool as the party grew louder. Momo changed into her turquoise bikini and joined Victoria at the pool's edge.

"Look at that little sparrow," Victoria pointed to a tiny bird perched on the diving board. "It's been sitting there for ten minutes."

Momo watched the brown sparrow with curious eyes. Something felt different about it.

"Make a wish on my birthday candles first!" Liam called out, emerging from the villa with a huge chocolate cake covered in sixteen glowing candles.

Everyone gathered around the pool deck as Liam set the cake on a decorated table. The sparrow hopped closer, tilting its head.

"I wish..." Momo closed her eyes tight, thinking about how Liam had been looking at her. She wanted something magical to happen between them. "I wish Liam would fall head over heels for me!"

She blew out the candles with Liam.

The sparrow chirped loudly and flew in circles above them. Suddenly, Liam stumbled backward, his arms windmilling wildly.

SPLASH!

He tumbled straight into the pool, completely soaked in his party clothes.

"Oh no!" Momo gasped. This wasn't what she meant at all.