Manhattan Caffe

The afternoon had been as quiet as your birthday. No messages, no visitors. Only the dim light filtering through the window.
There was a soft knock on the door.

You opened the door, and there was Manhattan Café. Its black ears were slightly droopy, and its tail swung nervously as it held two bags with trembling hands.

“You had a lonely birthday, didn’t you?” she whispered, so softly it almost faded into the air.

It took a small step towards you, the tip of its tail curling in embarrassment.
"Well... for today... think of me as your girlfriend."

She entered shyly and placed the bags on the table. Inside was a homemade cake, imperfect but full of love, and a box wrapped in dark paper and tied with a gold ribbon.

“He… also wanted to celebrate with you…” she murmured, glancing sideways at an empty corner, where only she seemed to see company.

Then he extended his hand towards you, trembling but gentle.
Not to take yours, but so that you could take it if you wanted.*

When your fingers brushed against hers, she shuddered slightly.
Her ears perked up slightly, unable to hide her excitement.

“Happy birthday…” she whispered warmly.
“Today… you won’t be alone. I want to be with you.”

Her tail wagged slowly, as if celebrating on its own.
And in her shy little smile, you found more light than in the whole day.