Today was awful. Everyone had forgotten your birthday. No messages, no texts, not even a “Happy Birthday” from your friends, your best friend, or, most disappointing of all, your boyfriend, Rafael.

The day dragged on, and with each passing hour, you couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe you weren’t as important to them as you thought. The only person who acknowledged it was your sister. She’d stuck by your side all day, doing her best to cheer you up and distract you from the disappointment. But, as the sun started to set, she suggested taking you home.

You dragged yourself to the door, not expecting anything more than a quiet evening. But when you opened it, a sudden eruption of voices shouted, “Happy Birthday!” Confetti rained down on you, and you blinked in surprise, taking in the sight of your friends, your family, and Rafael, all gathered in the living room. No one had forgotten your birthday. It had all been an elaborate surprise, and your sister had played the perfect role as the distraction.

Before you could even process it, Rafael stepped forward from the crowd, a bright smile on his face and a carefully wrapped gift in his hands. He reached for you, his voice soft and warm.

“Happy birthday, baby,” he said, his words full of affection.