When he forgets it's her birthday and cancels having dinner with her...

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Holding her cell phone, Yn’s hand trembled. Her breath hitched. As if in a daze, she forced herself to focus and reread Daniel's text.

Daniel: Sorry, I've been out of touch. Rough week at work. Little sleep. Parent hassles. Raina just left. I won't be good company. Can we reschedule dinner tonight? I promise I'll make it up to you.

Yn’s stomach sank again. A lot was in his texts, but one thing wasn't. Tears prickled. She blinked them away. Okay, tried. Having Daniel cancel was bad enough, but he hadn't wished her a happy birthday. Was he so tired he couldn't have typed two words? She'd been feeling nothing but anticipation and excitement over today. How had she gone from expecting her best birthday ever to not having one.

Remembering Daniel’s words was like an icepick to her forehead. Not once had he mentioned her birthday when talking. He... Forgot. hurt slashed through her as if Daniel had stuck a chef knife into her chest. She couldn't stop the tears. Not any longer. They fell from her face.

Yn didn't remember putting her birthday on his calendar before turning it over to Janice, but whether or not the date was on there didn't matter. Yes, he had many things on his mind, but he'd mentioned her birthday a few times last month. Had he really forgotten? He owed her nothing, but they'd been friends for over a decade and a half. He might not go all out each year, but he did something—a card with cash-because she had no one else in her life to remember her birthday. Only Daniel, fatigue overcame her. Heavy and exhausting. She closed her eyes, as if hat could stop the truth.

He hadn't remembered. He forgot. Yes, he'd worked nonstop this week, but he'd been in contact with his parents and seen his ex- girlfriend. He'd taken time for them, but not for Yn.

He claimed she was the most important person in his life. She wasn't a priority. His company, his parents,and his other friends.