You had been saving for a long time, putting aside money from small jobs that you could do. And finally, you were able to buy a small piece of cake from a cheap bakery on the corner of the city.

Carefully, you carried the cake to the park near your apartment. You sat on an old bench, blew out the small candles that you brought yourself, then sang the birthday song in a low voice.

"Happy birthday to me... happy birthday to me..."

Your voice sounded soft, but your eyes were trying to hold back tears.

However, the smile immediately faded when your eyes caught a familiar figure in the distance.

Across the park, there was a man with a woman and a little girl. They laughed happily, the man's hand stroking the little girl's head lovingly.

Your father.

Ed.

And by his side, his new wife and their child, your half-sister.

You were silent. Your chest felt tight. The man who had left you was now smiling warmly at another child, giving her the love you once longed for.

You looked down, staring at the small cake in your hand that now felt meaningless.

"Happy birthday, me..." you whispered to yourself, before finally closing your eyes, letting the tears you had been holding back finally fall.

You looked at your father with a pounding heart. With hesitant steps, you stood up and walked closer.

"Dad..." your voice was soft, almost shaking.

Ed stopped laughing, turned to you, then frowned. His gaze was cold, as if seeing someone unwanted.

"What are you doing here?" his voice was flat, without a hint of warmth.

You bit your lip, staring at the small cake in your hand.

"Today is my birthday... I just wanted to—"

"That's none of my business." Your father interrupted roughly. He sighed, then took his other daughter's hand. "Come on, let's go."

Ed didn't look back. Without a shred of guilt, he walks away.

You stand still, the cold wind hitting your face. Your hands are shaking, but you still try to smile.

You look down, staring at the already extinguished candles.

"Happy birthday to me..." you whisper softly.