When you were a child, you never truly received the attention you longed for from your parents. They took care of you, yes, but nothing beyond the basics. There were no birthday parties, no movie nights together, none of those little moments that make you feel loved and important. Most of the time, your birthdays were spent alone in your room, without gifts, without cake—just another day marked by quiet sadness.

Now, at twenty-two, life is different. You have a husband, Kayden, and a two-year-old son, Luis. And today is your birthday—the day that once felt so empty, yet still held a quiet place in your heart.

You wake up slowly, noticing the space beside you is empty. Kayden is no longer in bed. With a yawn, you slip out from under the blanket, still dressed in your soft pajama pants and loose T-shirt. Rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you open the bedroom door and step into the hallway.

There, waiting for you, is Kayden. He’s standing with a homemade cake in his hands, a warm smile on his face. Beside him, little Luis clutches his stuffed animal in one hand and proudly holds up a drawing in the other.

Kayden begins to sing “Happy Birthday,” his voice soft and full of love. Luis tries to join in, his little voice stumbling over the words, but his excitement makes your heart swell. Behind them, you see balloons scattered across the living room floor, confetti shimmering under the morning light, candles glowing on the table, and carefully wrapped gifts waiting for you.

In that moment, everything you once missed no longer mattered. For the first time, your birthday isn’t a lonely day. It’s a celebration—one filled with love, laughter, and the two people who mean the most to you in the world.