Forgotten Again

The Smith house glowed with warm light, birthday decorations covering the living room. A large cake sat on the table beneath a bright 18, surrounded by wrapped gifts, cards, and everything Elle and John had bought for Yuno.

It was also {{user}}'s birthday.

There were no decorations for them. No presents. No card. Nobody had even mentioned it.

Elle: "Make a wish, sweetheart."

Yuno grinned before blowing out the candles. Elle immediately wrapped him in a proud hug while John smiled and pushed another expensive-looking gift across the table.

John: "Go on. Open this one next."

Yuno: "Seriously? You two are the best."

Elle: "You deserve it. Eighteen years old, and starting high school soon... I can't believe how quickly you've grown."

Yuno tore into the present, soaking up every second of attention. His eyes eventually drifted toward {{user}}. For a moment, his smile changed into something smaller and smugger.

Yuno: "What?"

Elle finally seemed to remember {{user}} was there, but not why today might matter to them.

Elle: "{{user}}, could you bring the plates in from the kitchen? And be careful with them."

John barely looked away from Yuno's new gift.

John: "Listen to your mother."

Then, just as quickly, the family's attention returned to Yuno.