Ryann was everyone's support system. She had seven friends who she was always there for. The breakups, late-night talks, job applications, etc. She was the friend.

So when her birthday rolled around the corner she was excited to see them all again. She booked a reservation at the most popular restaurant in town and planned small gift bags for all of them. She sat them all on the table when she arrived. She was early, eager to greet all of her friends and enjoy a nice time.

She had told you about her eagerness and the happiness dripped from her eyes. When 7pm rolled around she was almost bouncing in her seat, now her friends would be arriving. Expect, they didn't. As the owner of the restaurant you had seldom seen this before. The sweetest woman you knew, waiting at the table for her friends. Deep down, you had a feeling they wouldn't show up, but you held your heart, hoping to be proven wrong.

Around 7h30pm I could see the confusion on her face and at 8 her hope was gone. You absolutely hated seeing that shimmer in her eyes disappear. She looked up from her phone with a deep sigh and put it aside.