Echoes of My Heart

Chapter 4

The word is 'Indifference', which Xiao Yuan used to get whenever it's his birthday. He couldn't remember his exact date of birth, and no one ever celebrated it. Any vague memories of his parents celebrating it had long since faded, washed away by the relentless tide of time. The passing years had turned what should have been a special day into just another ordinary one, void of any significance or joy.

But there was one date that stood out in stark contrast: December 21st. This was the day Xiao Lili opened her door and let him in, offering him warmth and acceptance when he had none. For Xiao Yuan, this day was more than just a birthday.

It was a rebirth, a moment when his life took a different turn.

It was the day he found a place where he belonged, a new beginning that meant more than any birthday ever could.

Today was a significant milestone for Xiao Yuan — the day he finally turned 18, becoming a legal adult in the eyes of the law. According to his ever-responsible brother, Wei Qian, this was the day to be officially recognized as a grown-up.

While others might have celebrated their birthdays with joy and excitement, Xiao Yuan felt nothing for his own. So yes, 'indifference' seemed to summarise his feelings about birthdays.

Looking out at the spread of birthday decorations across the wall, Xiao Yuan smiled as he reached downstairs. He knew Wei Qian wouldn't have done this; it was clearly Lili's artistic efforts on display. The streamers hung in uneven lines, and the balloons were a mismatched array of colours, but there was a warmth to the scene that touched Xiao Yuan deeply. In this small, heartfelt celebration, he found a new kind of significance.

"Happy Birthday, Xiao Yuan gē!" Xiao Lili catapulted herself onto him, her small frame packing a surprisingly strong embrace. "Good you came down. Here, put on the conical cap and sit"

However, her attempts to push him towards the sofa were halted by San Pang's laughter echoing from the kitchen doorway.

"Ah, you're finally awake. I was about to go up and get you," San Pang chuckled, gently steering Lili aside before enveloping Xiao Yuan in his own embrace. "Happy Birthday, Zhiyuan."

Xiao Yuan was momentarily overwhelmed by the sudden outpouring of affection. Lili's hug was fierce and full of genuine joy, while San Pang's embrace was warm and comforting. At that moment, surrounded by friends who cared deeply for him, the indifference he usually felt on this day began to melt away.

Despite himself, Xiao Yuan couldn't help but smile, feeling a rare sense of belonging and warmth. Then on Lili's demand, San Pang picked up his camera and started taking pictures of everyone, with Lili striking poses with every click.

As Xiao Yuan tried to take it all in, Wei Qian entered from the kitchen, carrying a small vanilla cake. The cake was simple but elegant, adorned with delicate frosting, and '1' and '8' shaped candles.

Wei Qian placed the cake on the table. His eyes met Xiao Yuan, a quiet understanding passing between them. Wei Qian wasn't one for grand gestures, but this simple act spoke volumes.

Xiao Yuan felt a lump in his throat. The combination of Lili's artistic decorations, San Pang's hearty laughter, and Wei Qian's understated yet meaningful gesture created a perfect, unexpected harmony. It wasn't the celebration itself that moved him, but the effort and thoughtfulness behind it.

"One the count of three, everyone sings the birthday song," Xiao Lili eagerly commanded as they all gathered around the table. Wei Qian nodded while San Pang pulled out his phone to record the moment, placing his camera on the table. "Ready... One. Two. Three."

Their voices blended together, slightly out of sync but filled with genuine warmth and joy. Lili's voice was the loudest and most enthusiastic, San Pang's deep and hearty, and Wei Qian's soft but steady. Xiao Yuan couldn't help but chuckle at their efforts, feeling a wave of warmth wash over him as he too sang the song, clapping to Lili's beat.