Chasing Hearts

A Birthday to Remember

The sun rose softly over Stratford Hills University on November 4th, casting a golden light that filled Eva Sinclair's room. Today was a special day—it was her birthday. Excitement bubbled within her as she got out of bed, ready to embrace the joy of the day. The aroma of her favorite breakfast wafted through the air, a delightful mix of pancakes and fresh fruit prepared lovingly by her family.

As she made her way to the dining room, she was greeted by her mother, father, and her younger brother, Jack. "Happy birthday, Eva!" they all chimed in unison, their smiles warm and genuine. Eva felt a wave of happiness wash over her as she hugged each of them tightly.

They sat together, enjoying a hearty lunch filled with laughter and playful banter. Jack, always the jokester, presented her with a quirky gift—a handmade card adorned with the most ridiculous drawings of their family. "I know I'm not the best artist, but I think you'll appreciate the creativity!" he said, causing everyone to erupt into laughter.

"Thank you, Jack! I love it!" Eva replied, her heart swelling with gratitude. It was moments like these that reminded her of the love she had at home.

After lunch, she prepared for college, her mind drifting to the anticipation of celebrating with her friends. She had planned to invite everyone to a small get-together later that evening, eager to share her joy and create new memories. As she walked into the university, the vibrant campus buzzed with activity, but something felt off.

Throughout the day, she caught snippets of conversation and laughter, yet no one seemed to acknowledge her special day. Her friends—Noah, Jenna, and even Ethan—hadn't wished her a happy birthday. She laughed and chatted with them, but there was a lingering disappointment in the back of her mind.

"Maybe they're just busy," she told herself repeatedly, trying to brush off the feeling of sadness that settled deep within her heart. As the hours passed, the normalcy of the day began to weigh heavily on her.

The afternoon dragged on, and she noticed her friends gathering in groups, completely oblivious to the significance of the date. A pit formed in her stomach as she tried to maintain her composure, plastering on a smile for everyone around her. She felt like an outsider, watching as her friends moved on with their lives while she waited for a moment that never came.

After a long day of classes, Eva walked home in silence, her heart aching with disappointment. It wasn't just the lack of birthday wishes that hurt—it was the realization that perhaps she wasn't as important to them as she thought.

When she arrived home, her parents greeted her with warm hugs, but the joy of the morning felt distant now. She put on a brave face and joined them for dinner, all the while suppressing the sadness that lingered within. She faked smiles and laughter, but deep down, she longed for her friends to remember her.