Michael had began dreading his birthday years ago.

Why should he enjoy his birthday? It wasn't like his father ever bothered to call. It hurt. He didn't like dwelling on the pain, so he ignored the day altogether. Well, he tried to ignore it.

He stared down at his smart phone, waiting on the phone call that he knew wouldn't come. It never did. No matter how much he waited and hoped, it never happened. He didn't speak with his father much, if at all, anymore.

You walked into his room. It didn't take a rocket science to understand why Michael was upset. You sat on his bed and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. He shoved his phone back into his pocket.

"I-I don't know why I thought he might call..." He mumbled.