The party room brightened under warm sunlight shining through large windows.
Pink balloons floated gracefully near the tall white ceiling.
An American flag hung proudly on the main wall.
Seven year old Lily stood near the polished dessert table.
She wore her favorite light pink birthday dress.
Guests gathered around the table with smiling faces.
A massive three tier pink cake sat in the center.
Lily picked up the silver cake server with excitement.
Her mother Sarah stood close behind her with pride.
Sarah adjusted Lily's hair softly with her hand.
Everyone clapped happily as Lily cut the first slice.
Soft music played gently through the house speakers.
Suddenly Sarah's sister Clara stepped toward the table.
Clara wore a fancy white dress for her upcoming wedding.
She had insisted on sharing the birthday venue space.
Her eyes looked cold despite her bright smile.
Clara reached out quickly without saying a word.
She grabbed a large piece of sweet frosted cake.
Before anyone could react Clara moved her hand fast.
She smashed the cake directly against Lily's forehead.
Thick pink icing covered the young girl's eyes.
Lily froze completely in pure shock and fear.
Frosting dripped slowly down her small nose.
The joyful laughter in the room stopped instantly.
A heavy silence fell over all the party guests.
Lily wiped her eyes and looked up confused.
She asked why her aunt had done that.
Clara did not answer her innocent question.
Instead Clara stepped forward with a harsh expression.
She grabbed Lily by her soft hair roughly.
Clara pushed the child down toward the remaining cake.
Guests gasped loudly across the crowded room.
People raised their phones to film the shock.
Lily cried out in sudden fear and pain.
She called out for her parents to help.
Sarah screamed in horror from across the table.
Lily's father Mark stepped quickly out from the crowd.