Parents.. with different treatment

7th

Title: A Birthday in the Shadows

Xander woke up to the faint sound of machines beeping and the smell of antiseptic. The sterile white walls of the hospital room surrounded him, a stark contrast to the colorful world he loved. He squinted at the sunlight filtering through the window, realizing it was his seventh birthday.

His heart sank. He had hoped for a special day, filled with laughter and love, but instead, he was lying alone in a hospital bed. Just a few days earlier, he had suffered a seizure at school, a terrifying experience that had led to this unexpected stay. He could still feel the fear wash over him when he had lost control of his body, the panic of not knowing what was happening.

As he lay there, memories of past birthdays flooded his mind—cake, balloons, and the warmth of his family. But this year felt different. He glanced at the clock, waiting for someone to come through the door with a cheerful "Happy Birthday!" or a small gift, but no one came.

The door opened, and a nurse walked in, smiling kindly. "Good morning, Xander! How are you feeling today?" she asked, checking the monitors.

"Okay, I guess," he replied quietly, trying to muster a smile.

"Any plans for your birthday?" she asked, not fully realizing the weight of his question.

"Not really," he said, feeling a lump form in his throat. "Just hoping my family will come visit."

"Oh, I'm sure they will! You're a brave boy," she said, patting his shoulder before leaving the room.

As the hours dragged on, Xander stared at the ceiling, the excitement of his birthday slowly fading into disappointment. He felt forgotten, as if the world outside had moved on without him. He thought about Xavier and Victoria, wondering if they were having fun without him.

Around lunchtime, a doctor entered with a clipboard, checking his vitals and updating him on his health. "You're doing well, Xander. We'll keep monitoring you for a little longer. Any special plans for today?" he asked, glancing up from his notes.

Xander shrugged. "Not really. It's just another day, I guess."

The doctor looked at him with concern. "You're a brave kid. Birthdays can be tough when you're not feeling well. But you're strong, and you'll get through this."

Xander nodded but felt hollow inside. He wanted to be brave, but all he could think about was how no one had remembered.

Hours passed, and still, no one came. The other children in the pediatric wing had visitors—friends, family, laughter, and balloons. But Xander remained alone, isolated in his sadness. He wished he could be at home, surrounded by the love and joy of his family, celebrating like he had every year before.

Finally, late in the afternoon, he heard a familiar voice in the hallway. It was Valerie, his mom, but her tone was hurried, almost frantic. "Where is he? Where's my boy?" she exclaimed as she entered the room, her face a mask of worry.

"Mom!" Xander cried, a mix of relief and sadness washing over him.

"Oh, Xander! I'm so sorry!" Valerie rushed to his side, tears brimming in her eyes. "I completely lost track of time with everything happening. I didn't mean to forget your birthday. I love you so much."

Xander felt a spark of joy at her words, but the weight of the day still lingered. "It's okay," he said softly. "I just... I thought no one remembered."

"I should have been here. I should have remembered. I'm so sorry!" she said, hugging him tightly.

"I just wanted to be home with everyone," Xander admitted, his voice breaking. "It feels lonely here."

"I know, sweetheart. I'm here now," Valerie whispered, holding him close. "We'll make this special. I promise."

Xander felt the warmth of her embrace, a balm for his wounded heart. "You didn't bring cake, did you?" he joked weakly, trying to lighten the mood.

Valerie laughed softly through her tears. "I didn't bring cake, but I brought something even better." She pulled a small bag from her purse, revealing a handmade card from Xavier and a stuffed animal for him. "Your brother and sister wanted you to have this."

Xander's heart swelled as he held the card, decorated with colorful drawings and scribbled notes of love. "They remember me!" he said, his spirits lifting.

"Yes, they do. And I do too. We'll celebrate as soon as you're back home. How about a big cake and a party?" Valerie suggested, her eyes shining with warmth.

Xander nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "That sounds amazing."

As the afternoon faded into evening, Valerie stayed by Xander's side, sharing stories and laughter. They talked about the adventures they would have once he was home and how they would make up for the lost birthday.

Though it wasn't the birthday he had envisioned, Xander realized that love didn't always come wrapped in balloons or cake. It was in the moments spent with his mother, the unwavering support she offered, and the bond they shared.

And in that hospital room, surrounded by the beeping of machines and the sterile smell of antiseptic, Xander felt a flicker of happiness. He wasn't alone; he was loved, and that was the greatest gift of all.