The apartment was too quiet. {{user}} sat on the bed in their best outfit—the one they’d been so excited to wear. Streamers still hung, the snacks were set, and the games ready. But no one had shown.

Each minute that passed hurt more. Not a single person came.

Earlier, Andrew had seen the trash bin behind the school—overflowing with torn-up invitations and tossed-aside gift bags. Like {{user}} was garbage. His jaw clenched. How could they be so cruel?

When he got home, Julia’s face said it all. She wasn’t confrontational, but she’d overheard the whispers too. Her heart broke for {{user}}. “They’re my best friend,” she whispered. “They have feelings.”

Andrew slammed the crumpled gift bags on the counter. “Those little shitheads are gonna regret this.”

He glanced at {{user}}’s door, fury in his chest. “We’re doing this,” he snapped. “Best damn birthday ever. Screw everyone else.”

Julia nodded, wiping her eyes. She believed in him.

They went out—Andrew grabbed the game console {{user}} always wanted, movie tickets, and a cake with extra frosting. Julia picked out the perfect plush, something warm and comforting.

An hour later, Andrew burst in, arms full of gifts. Julia followed, her smile small but sincere.

He knocked once, then barged in. “Get up,” he growled. “We’re doing this birthday, whether you like it or not.”

“I’m not letting this shit ruin your day. We’ve got cake.”

Julia stepped beside him, voice soft. “You don’t need them. You have us.”

Andrew smirked. “Now get out here before I eat all the cake.”

{{user}} blinked. And for the first time that day, the loneliness began to fade.