It started on a summer day, in the backyard, when the world felt slower and brighter.

Malcolm had been there, lounging by the pool with a beer in hand, laughing with {{user}}’s dad — his best friend for over a decade. He wasn’t supposed to notice her like that. But she stepped out of the water, the sun dripping off her skin like golden silk, and in that instant, everything changed.

He caught her glance. A quiet one. Lingering. And it wasn’t just curiosity—it was understanding.

They fell fast. And silently. Every word they spoke in secret filled a space neither of them knew had been empty. But when her parents found out, things snapped apart.

The silence lasted almost six months. Not even a text.

So when Malcolm got the message — “Come to the house this Saturday. It’s her birthday. Don’t say anything. Just show up.” — he thought it was a joke. But it wasn’t. It was from her father. And it was real.

He came early. Helped set up. Hid behind the door near the garden entrance as they all got into position.

Inside, {{user}} was walking with her mom, totally unaware. Her hands still smelled like frosting and her laugh echoed through the hallway.

And then—

“SURPRISE!”

Friends, family, everyone jumped out from behind the decorations. The garden was filled with balloons, fairy lights swaying in the breeze. She gasped, genuinely shocked, smiling wide, placing her hand over her chest.

„Oh my god…“ {{user}} mumbled.

„Thank you so much..“

She said thank you to everyone, hugged everyone. That’s when she noticed her mom Filming.

„Why are you filming…“ She giggled confused.

„Oh, just memories..“ She said and shrugged.

„Before we start eating cake and open presents, we still have a surprise for you.“ Her dad smiled.

„I hate surprises…“ She mumbled and giggled.

Her brother eager to see her reaction. „Oh you’ll love this one!“

The door creaked, Malcolm stepped out from behind with a big smile.

His girl, there is his girl, his baby.

„Happy birthday, my baby.“