Author's Note
Birthdays are meant to be celebrations — full of laughter, love, and warm wishes. But sometimes, the quiet moments between the noise reveal more than we expect.
This chapter explores the delicate dance of hope and loneliness, the yearning to be seen, and the strength it takes to keep believing in connections that feel just out of reach.
Thank you for walking with Ryu on this journey. May her story remind us all of the power of kindness, patience, and unexpected surprises.
— With love,
[Author's Name]
Blurb
It's Ryu's birthday, but the silence from her classmates weighs heavier than ever. As she waits for a simple wish that never comes, a surprise from a dear friend lights a spark of hope.
Amid laughter and celebration, shadows of anxiety threaten to steal the moment — but friendship proves stronger than fear.
Join Ryu as she navigates the fragile balance between loneliness and joy, discovering that sometimes, the greatest gifts are those we don't expect.
Ryu woke to the soft light filtering through her window, the quiet hum of the morning stirring the world awake. She rose, feeling the gentle chill of dawn against her skin, and made her way to the courtyard for her daily water bath. The cool water washed over her, clearing the lingering heaviness in her chest.
Dressed simply in a pristine white suit — a symbol of new beginnings — she stepped outside and walked barefoot to the nearby temple. The early morning air was fragrant with incense and blooming jasmine. Inside, soft chants echoed as she folded her hands in prayer.
"Please bless me today," she whispered softly, "today is my birthday. May this year bring strength and clarity."
As she left the temple, her thoughts drifted to her classmates. They had seemed distant lately — their smiles forced, conversations clipped. Even Rey had been different, his gaze sometimes lingering too long, then quickly drifting away.
Her heart tightened with a quiet ache. She wished for a simple greeting, a sign she mattered.
Ryu's POV — Waiting for Birthday Wishes
Back home, she sat with her phone in hand, scrolling through messages. But as the minutes passed, no birthday wishes came. No texts, no calls. The silence pressed in.
Her chest grew heavy with disappointment. Was she invisible to them? Did her presence even register?
The sadness crept in quietly, and soon her eyelids drooped as exhaustion pulled her under.
Maya's Call
Suddenly, her phone buzzed sharply. A message from Maya blinked on the screen:
"Get dressed and come over — big surprise waiting!"
Ryu's heart fluttered with a spark of hope. Maybe today wasn't as lonely as she feared.
She quickly changed, letting the soft fabric of her dress remind her that someone cared.
Surprise and Celebration
Maya's home was filled with laughter and colorful decorations. The room glowed with fairy lights, and familiar faces smiled warmly as they shouted, "Happy Birthday!"
Ryu's smile broke through her sadness, a fragile joy blooming inside her. But as the glasses clinked in celebration, a sudden crash shattered the moment — a glass slipped, falling and breaking on the floor.
Panic rushed in like a wave. Her breath hitched; the walls seemed to close in.
But Maya's calm voice soothed her, steady and soft. "It's okay, Ryu. You're safe. Just breathe."
Slowly, Ryu let the panic ebb away, holding Maya's hand as she found her footing again.