~Cariño: A Quackbur Story~

~Blow Out Your Candles Cariño~

Many, many months into the future (like four? i can't remember)

My birthday had never been my favourite day.
Ever since my dad lost his first job, the hate engraved itself deeper into me, like a forgotten wound.

Today, I sat in front of a birthday cake. The flames from the candles flickered tantalizingly at me. The cake was melted slightly, the red sprinkles muddling the blue cake icing.
The cake was like a beacon of light in the ominous darkness that was my dining room.

Thanks to my horrible birthday luck, my entire neighborhood had experienced a blackout. 
So, there I was.

Sitting in complete darkness with a cake in front of me. behind me stood my mother. She stood rigidly, shadows obscured her face. Her usually bright brown eyes looked dull in the candlelight, like the shadows that framed her still face.

"Make a wish, honey." She whispered, her eyes moving unblinkingly across my face.

I felt my cheeks heat up. It felt childish. Part of me thought she was making up for all the forgotten or horrible birthdays from my childhood.
Admittedly, those weren't her fault. Sometimes we didn't have enough money for those type of "extravagant luxuries."

I turned back to the cake, shutting my eyes. My heart thudded softly in my chest, my whole body tensing.
All I could think of was him.

I wanted us to live in peace.
I wanted my mom to love me again.
I wanted to do what I love and love who I love.

I smiled.

I just wanted to run my fingers through his soft hair.
I wanted to comfort him whenever he grew sad or stressed.
I wanted to kiss his tears away and make everything better.

I chuckled as I blew out my candles.
If only birthday wishes came true.

. . .

I sighed, attempting to fix my clothes before I stepped into the dimly lit cafe.
I had just snuck out of my bedroom window, planning to visit... someone.

I'm hereeee
I quickly texted him, my fingers shaking. I honestly don't know why I was so nervous. We had just hung out a couple days before. Nervous birthday jitters maybe. 
I exhaled, shaking my head.
Today was really no different than any other night. It's not like we haven't spent time together at night before. I needed to stay calm.