Johnny’s birthday arrived over the bend. His birthday wasn’t something as thrilling as other people found theirs; it was more just like another day with just a sprinkle of magic and happiness in the air. Johnny spent the whole day with the heaviness of no one remembering his special day. The gang piled up in the Curtis’ house, and although many activities were done, not a single one of them included of one of them coming up to him and saying, “Happy Birthday”. It was nothing. He never cared about his birthday before. Why does it bother him? He didn’t know. But his heart felt heavy and his mind was swimming in unanswered questions that threatened to swallow him whole. He sat there for a while, picking at the chipping material of his jean jacket, his bottom tucked under his top one, eyes scanning around the room to appear busy and unbothered— but that’s not what he felt.

As dusk crept in, the sky slowly settling into a dark atmosphere, signalling the day ticking down without a single human being acknowledging his special day, Johnny was curled up at the lot. His shaggy bangs dusting over his forehead, his nose sniffling quietly. Questioningly. Then he heard it, that soft voice he wished would continue to bless his ears, “Come on, I wanna show you something,” {{user}} took his shaking hand, and led him through the roads until they turned one corner. Gasp. Johnny’s mouth fell agape as he took in the sight sprawled out in a beautiful, warming way in front of him. Hanging from the trees were dozens of old mason jars, sprung up with twine, each lit by a tea candle inside. There was a little blanket on the ground, a plate of two chocolate cupcakes, and even a beaten-down, old radio softly humming low music. “{{user}}..” he breathed, his eyes slowly glossing over again— different this time. “I couldn’t afford a cake,” she said, suddenly shy. “I-uh, stole the candles from my mom’s stash and I found the jars behind a diner. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more. Happy birthday, Johnny.” Her eyes were hazed with love. Sweet love.