Tiger Eye - Sam (Stardew Valley)

15

Summer 17

"Happy Birthday!" 

The sound of Sam's bedroom door bursting open, heavy footsteps woke him, but Vincent's body slamming into him got him up. Groaning as his knees dug into his stomach, Sam sat up.

"Thank you, Vince." Sam laughed slightly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

23. He wondered if he was supposed to feel different, feel older than he did at 20 or 17. He still felt like a kid in some ways, and older than he should in others.

"Can I give you your gift now?" Vincent asked, standing to jump up and down on his bed, landing on Sam's leg more than once.

"Yes, yes." Sam sighed. He already knew what it was, but he was still appreciative.

Vincent handed him the small box, poorly wrapped with too much tape. Sam opened it, faking a surprised look as he pulled out a guitar pic.

"Wow! Thank you buddy, I needed a new one." Sam smiled, pulling him in for a hug, kissing his head loudly.

"Can you get up now? Mom won't let me have any pancakes until you're up." Vincent asked, jumping off the bed and pulling his arm aggressively. 

"I'm coming!" He laughed, standing up, grabbing a shirt on his way out.

His mom stood in the kitchen, her hands clasped over her chest, her eyes teary as she held a quivering smile.

"Oh, Sammy..." She spoke crossing the room to him, "stop growing. Stay little forever." He sighed, pulling him down to hug her, kissing his cheek.

"Happy birthday." She whispered, holding his face as she smiled.

"Thank you, mom." He responded, taking his seat at the table.

"So, do you have any birthday plans with Wren?" Jodi asked, placing a plate of pancakes in front of him.

He shrugged, shaking his head, "No, she has to go deal with something in the city last minute. She tried getting out of it, but uh, it seemed urgent. She had a cab come out and get her early this morning." He tried not to seem sad that his girlfriend was missing his birthday, let alone the first birthday together, but after her profuse apologies and planning a big day for them tomorrow, he understood.

"Oh, that's too bad! Well, what are you doing with Seb and Abby?" She asked, sipping her tea.

Sam sighed, shaking his head again. "Seb's got a job he has to finish, Abby as an exam." 

He didn't want pity, because he didn't want to feel bad about it. It was really just a day. Birthday disappointment wasn't a foreign concept to him.

"Tell you what." Jodi smiled, looking between Sam and Vincent, "How about Vincent takes the day off school, and I borrow Lewis' truck. Let's go to the city, see a movie, get lunch?" She asked, resulting in Vincent bouncing in his seat.

Sam smiled, nodding his head. "That sounds perfect, thank you, mom."

***

Sam tried to stay still as they parked Lewis's truck, Vincent dead asleep on his shoulder. The sun was setting, and while he was thankful to have spent the day with his family, he really missed Wren.

"Why don't you bring Vincent to bed, and I'll go order some food from Gus for takeout." His mom whispered. Sam nodded, pulling Vincent into his arms as he climbed out of the truck.

He smiled softly. He was being dramatic. He had a nice day. A good birthday, even. 

He fumbled with his keys, pushing the door open. The house was dark and quiet, his footsteps echoing as he crossed to Vincent's room. He slowly lowered him in his bed, pulling the sheets over him.