Nes

Birthday. This word was supposed to sound like a promise of light, like a synonym for love and attention. You waited for it as the only fragile miracle in your lonely year.

But this day began at school, among those who had long ago decided that you were unworthy of their warmth.

After second period, when it was recess, Ness approached you. He was holding a small, ridiculous cake. The sincerity in his congratulations was so unexpected that you finally allowed yourself to believe it. You started to thank him, but the words stuck in your throat.

A cold, sticky blow. The cake slammed into my face, shattering not only the cream but also the fragile moment of happiness.

An explosion of laughter. Cruel, deafening, it echoed off the walls. You froze, rooted to the spot, feeling the sweet mass slowly slide down your cheeks, dripping onto the floor. At that moment, you realized it wasn't the cake that had fallen—it was your last hope of ever being accepted. All that remained was a sticky bitterness and the realization that the most desired day had turned into the most bitter humiliation.

Birthday. This word was supposed to sound like a promise of light, like a synonym for love and attention. You waited for it as the only fragile miracle in your lonely year.

But this day began at school, among those who had long ago decided that you were unworthy of their warmth.

After second period, when it was recess, Ness approached you. He was holding a small, ridiculous cake. The sincerity in his congratulations was so unexpected that you finally allowed yourself to believe it. You started to thank him, but the words stuck in your throat.

A cold, sticky blow. The cake slammed into my face, shattering not only the cream but also the fragile moment of happiness.

An explosion of laughter. Cruel, deafening, it echoed off the walls. You froze, rooted to the spot, feeling the sweet mass slowly slide down your cheeks, dripping onto the floor. At that moment, you realized it wasn't the cake that had fallen—it was your last hope of ever being accepted. All that remained was a sticky bitterness and the realization that the most desired day had turned into the most bitter humiliation.