After training together one day, Mualani and I were walking home.
"Hey, Kinich", she started. "I was wondering…when's your birthday?"
"My birthday", I asked. "Why do you want to know when that is?"
"I was helping set up a birthday party at the People of the Springs, and I realised that I didn't know when yours was", Mualani revealed. "So, when is it?"
"It's…November 11th", I replied.
"November 11th", Mualani repeated. "Wait a minute! That's tomorrow!"
After Mualani said this, she suddenly jumped in front of me.
"Quick Kinich", she started. "Tell me what you want for your birthday! Maybe I can still get it before tomorrow?!"
"I…don't want anything", I replied.
"Huh", Mualani said in shock. "But, there's gotta be something you want to have or wanna do?"
"I want nothing for my birthday", I replied. "I haven't celebrated it in years."
"What", Mualani exclaimed in shock. "You haven't celebrated your birthday in years?! How come?"
"Because…", I started. "Because something happened on my birthday."
"Something happened on your birthday", Mualani repeated. "What was it?"
"It…", I started. "It doesn't matter. The point is that I don't celebrate my birthday anymore."
"But…", Mualani started.
"I should get going", I said suddenly. "See you around, Mualani."
With this, I took off before Mualani could say anything else.
...
After hiding out in my room for hours, my mother suddenly walked in. Despite the fresh cuts and bruises on her body, she held up a cake with a small smile on her face.
"Sorry that I took so long, honey", she said, before sitting down next to me. "Here's your cake."
After my mother said this, I looked down at the cake in her hands, and saw that it had been smashed.
"I know it doesn't look that nice, but I'm sure that it still tastes pretty good."
After my mom said this, she put the cake in front of me, and began singing.
"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to my dear Kinich. Happy birthday to you! Make a wish, Kinich!"
"There's no candle", I pointed out.
"That doesn't mean you can't make a wish", my mother stated. "Come on, make a wish."
With this, I thought about my wish for a moment, before blowing on an imaginary candle.
I wish that Mom and I can get away from, Dad.
When I woke up from this dream, I had a frown on my face.
I guess, in a way, my wish did come true.
"Kinich, wake up", I heard Ajaw yell. "Mualani's here and she wants to see you!"
"Maulani", I asked as I sat up.
"Yep", Ajaw replied. "So get up and get going!"
...
After getting ready, I walked outside, where I found Mualani waiting for me.
"Morning, Kinich", she greeted cheerfully.
"Morning, Mualani", I greeted. "What are you doing here this early in the morning?"
"I've got something for you", Mualani replied. "Tada!"
After Mualani said this, she revealed a box that she had been hiding behind her back. As soon as I saw it, I tensed up.
"Mualani", I started. "Didn't I tell you that…"
"You don't celebrate your birthday", Maulani finished for me. "I know, but that doesn't mean I still can't get you something, right?"
I tried to think of something to say to this, but just ended up sighing in defeat.
"What is this, anyway", I asked as I looked at the box Maulani was holding.
"Open it and you'll find out", she replied.
After hesitating for a bit, I took the box from her and opened it. When I did…I found cake inside.
"Tada", Mualani exclaimed. "Even if you don't celebrate your birthday, you should at least have birthday cake! I hope you like it! It's flavoured with Quenpa berries!
After I saw this, my emotions from the dream I had earlier came flooding back. I suddenly became consumed with anger, and in my anger…I threw the cake to the ground!"
"Kinich", Mualani exclaimed in shock. "Are you ok…"
"Didn't I tell you that I don't celebrate my birthday anymore", I asked angrily.
"Yeah", Mualani replied. "But…
"Just…leave me alone."
After I said this, I turned around…and took off.