Temper, Temper

I was startled by the sudden burst of light that flooded the space. I squinted as my eyes adjusted, trying to make sense of the scene in front of me. And then, the crowd erupted into cheers and shouted, "Surprise! Happy Birthday!'

I stood frozen, unable to comprehend what was happening. It took me a moment to realize that this surprise party was for me. Me, whose birthday had always been just another ordinary day. Me, who had never had a reason to celebrate or expect anything special on this day ever since the death of my parents. In the past years, I'd know it's my birthday if either I get a birthday message from Ava or she'd wake me up early in the morning with a birthday song, and a birthday cake in her hands. I didn't receive a message from her today, or any other thing that could serve as a reminder that today was my birthday.

Somehow I managed to pull out an awkward smile – although it never reached my eyes. Anybody else would have marched in cheerfully, clasping their hands in