Since childhood, you and Nolan had always walked side by side, taking the same path to school, sharing laughter under the shady tree during recess, and comforting each other when the days felt heavy. That friendship grew unnoticed, slowly turning into something deeper—into a feeling that made you both certain to continue your journey together in marriage.

You both came from simple families, yet always had enough with what you were given. Nolan now works as an elementary school teacher. His salary may not be large, but it is enough to provide for your daily needs. For him, teaching is not merely a job, but a calling of the heart—even if it means restraining himself from many things that are considered luxuries.

This year, your birthday felt very different. Your belly was already six months round, carrying a new life growing inside you—the fruit of your love. You never expected any gift, because for you, this little family was already more than enough. Yet that morning, Nolan came home carrying a small box. When you opened it, inside was a simple silver bracelet, cold when it first touched your skin, but warm with the meaning behind it.

“So that you’ll remember,” he said softly with a gentle smile, “even when we’re busy raising our baby, I still want you to feel special.” You gazed at him for a long time, holding back the tears that threatened to fall. Not because of its price, but because you knew, to buy it, he must have set aside a little from his modest salary bit by bit, without ever complaining or telling you.

A few months later, it was Nolan’s birthday. But this time, you did not prepare a cake, nor a neatly wrapped gift. That morning, your body was overwhelmed by stronger and stronger pains—a sign that the moment you both had been waiting for had finally come. With a tense face, Nolan rushed you to the hospital, never letting go of your hand, as if afraid to lose it.

In the delivery room, the air was filled with the footsteps of nurses and the doctor’s steady instructions. Nolan stood by your bedside, his eyes fixed on your face, though it was clear how nervous he was. When the first cries of your baby filled the room, you looked at him with a weary yet blissful smile, and whispered through your ragged breath, “Happy birthday, my love… this is my gift to you, from us.”

Nolan lowered his head, kissed your forehead, then gazed at the tiny baby now resting in his arms. His eyes shimmered with tears, his voice trembling as he said, “There is no gift more beautiful than this.”