I glance at my iPhone to check the time and—damn. The realization hit me like a sword stabbing my heart repeatedly when I see the date, and today is {{user}}'s birthday.

To jump happily in front of my daughter and hug her while wishing 'Happy Birthday'—I'd... rather lose my career than need to do that.

I'm standing closer to her study table, observing {{user}} studying her sheet music as my right hand slowly places a scarlet box—her birthday present—on the wooden surface.