The Birthday
Mini Scene
“Happy birthday!” His voice raises through the dark room as I slowly open my eyes.
“Do you have too? I was up late reading.” I grumbled as I tuck the covers over my head, hearing his foot steps move through our room and the curtains pulled aside.
“I do and it was your choice to stay up and read. I offered twice to carry you to bed.”
“I do have legs, I can get places on my own.” I felt the covers being snatched from me, leaving my body exposed to the small chill in the room and the bright sun. “Ahhh it burns!” I cry out like a child. I can hear his chuckle right before I feel his strong arms side under my body and lift me up like a small child. I open my eyes and look into his.
“Yes, but you know I enjoy having you in my arms and taking care of you. Especially on such an important day.” He nuzzles his nose against mine, with a quiet, gentle growl. I giggle and lean into his embrace.
“I'll still only want to be surrounded by my books. You're the only one who thinks it's an important day-”
“Ah- and I aways will.” He cuts me off and starts to move into the hallway. “No matter if I have to convince you every year. Just by spending time with you and letting you enjoy your day the way you want.” He plops us down on our cozy couch, my favorite blanket and 2 cups of hot coffee near by, plus my current read open. “Read to me love.” I smile and snuggle in and begin where I left from the night before. The perfect start to a day I usually regret.
I wish
Birthdays have a way of revealing more than age. They show us who remembers, who notices, who has stayed, and sometimes who we have become while waiting for life to feel different. This piece made me think about how a birthday is not just a celebration, but a quiet checkpoint between the life we imagined and the life we are actually living.