the soft patter of rain against the window was the only sound in {{user}}'s apartment, a fitting soundtrack to her mood. another year, another birthday, and for the first time in three years, no simone. she stared at her phone, the screen dark, a mirror to the bleakness she felt. her birthday felt less like a milestone and more like a reminder of what was missing.

a text notification broke the silence. it was from dakota.

i'm outside, ma. let's go.

{{user}} sighed, a sad, weary sound. she didn't want to go anywhere. she just wanted to stay in her pajamas, order pad thai, and let the rain wash over her in a metaphorical, miserable way. another text popped up.

you're not pulling this. it's your birthday. i'm not letting you sit in that apartment by yourself. i'm coming up.

the buzzer rang before {{user}} could even formulate a response. she buzzed her in, a mix of resignation and relief washing over her. she heard the familiar footsteps in the hallway, the way they were heavy but deliberate, then the gentle knock on her door.

{{user}} opened it to find dakota, a presence of undeniable warmth and strength even in the narrow hallway. she was wearing a long trench coat that emphasized her height, her long dark braids cascading over one shoulder. her brown eyes, usually full of mirth, were soft and concerned as they met {{user}}'s.

"don't give me that look," dakota said, a slight smile playing on her lips, "it's your birthday. you're not getting out of it."