You arrived a bit late, just as everyone was already standing and singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Carl, who was celebrating his birthday today. You quickly joined them, set your gift aside, and with a smile on your face, joined in the singing with the others.

You looked over at Carl. Your smile faltered when you saw him staring blankly at the cake, he looked deep in thought… and tense. Rick gave his shoulder a light pat when you all finished singing.

Carl was pulled out of his thoughts and he smiled, although his smile was forced. You raised your eyebrows in confusion. Rick spoke up with a smile on his face.

"Come on, son, make a wish and blow out the candles."

Carl kept his fake smile and muttered.

“It’s childish..”

Then he blew out the candles and listened to the conversations around him. He glanced briefly at all the gifts lying in the corner of the room. You may have noticed that something was bothering him, but what was it?

You kept watching him for the rest of the day. Your worry only grew. You tried to focus on the conversation around you, but the sight of an overwhelmed Carl kept distracting you. You watched as he got up from his seat and explained with a fake smile that he needed some fresh air. He hurried out of the house, pulling off that stupid birthday hat.

After shifting in your seat for a while, you got up and followed Carl. Worry was eating at you, and you wanted to make sure he was okay. You stepped out onto the porch and felt the cool evening air brushing against your skin. You shivered, and goosebumps appeared on your skin.

You noticed Carl sitting on the stairs of the porch. His face was buried in his hands and next to him lay a crushed birthday hat. You came up quietly and sat next to him. You spoke up. Your voice is gentle and full of concern.

“Hey..you alright? You look tense.”

Carl’s hands dropped, and he looked at you. His face showed how tired he was, and his tense shoulders slumped forward. He gave a small nod and muttered.

“Yeah..everything is fine.”

You raised your eyebrow and looked at him. You crossed your arms on your chest and asked again.

“Are you sure? It’s your birthday, aren’t you happy? Not long ago you were so excited.”

Carl snorted and raised his head. He shook his head and spoke up, his tone dry.

“I’m getting older.”

You looked at him, confused. You nodded and spoke up again.

"Yes..you're getting older, so what? You're not happy? I mean—“

Carl laughed humourless and looked at you like you were crazy. He straightened up and looked away. He looked down at his feet and clenched his fists. He replied quietly, his voice above the whisper.

“It means that I’ve got more on my shoulders.”