Narrowly escaping two harrowing entrapments should be cause for elation, jubilation even, but for Kessa it’s the opposite. Perhaps it has to do with her family and friends forgetting her birthday. Or did they? Maybe her friends have cooked something up that she won’t forget.

Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason

Excerpt:

She spent several moments contemplating this before bitterly complaining, “All I can say is it isn’t the way I planned to celebrate my eighteenth birthday; that’s for sure.”

Thomas’ steps temporarily slowed; Kessa chalked it up to the revelation that yesterday had been her birthday. Thomas, like her sister, like Quinn, like everyone had forgotten her birthday. Big surprise!

“I don’t think I’ll acknowledge my birthday again. Why should I celebrate the day I was born? No one else does...” she was about to continue but her voice caught in her throat. Blasted emotions!