𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐋 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃

34

Song:
sweater weather- the neighbourhood
slowed + reverb

LEENA

It's the twenty seventh of January, Angel's birthday, and I have yet to think of a gift to give him.

I find myself pacing back and forth in front of my bed, my feet moving restlessly across the floor as if the motion alone might somehow spark inspiration. My arms are crossed tightly over my chest, and I chew on my bottom lip in deep concentration, the faint sting a reminder of how hard I'm pressing down.

The idea of finding the perfect gift for him feels like an insurmountable challenge, one that's weighing heavily on my mind.

I keep running through different possibilities, each idea seeming too simple, too impersonal, or just not enough. The more I think, the more frustrated I feel, my thoughts tangling into a knot of indecision.

What could I possibly give that would express everything I feel—something meaningful, thoughtful, and unique enough to show him how much he means to me? The question loops endlessly in my head as I continue to pace, the need to make the right choice growing more urgent with every step I take.

The sudden sound of a phone ringing breaks the silence, the familiar tone echoing through the stillness of my bedroom and pulling my attention away from my thoughts.

My eyes dart toward my bed, where my phone sits resting on the soft folds of the comforter. The screen lights up with a soft glow, illuminating the darkened room just enough for me to see the name flashing across it—Angel.

His name stares back at me, the letters bold and undeniable, sending a small jolt through my chest.

For a moment, I hesitate, my gaze lingering on the device as it vibrates gently against the fabric, filling the room with a rhythmic hum that seems to grow louder with each passing second. My heart quickens, a mix of anticipation and nervous energy bubbling up as I reach for it, my hand hovering just above the screen.

It was just a little after midnight, and only a few minutes had passed since I sent him a text message to wish him a happy birthday.

I take in a shaky breath, feeling the flutter of nervous energy in my chest as I stare at the phone screen for a moment longer, trying to steady myself.

Finally, I swipe to answer the call, my fingers slightly unsteady as I lift the phone to my ear.

The room feels quieter now, the air thick with anticipation as I hear the faint click of the connection. "Hey, Angel. Happy birthday," I say, my voice coming out breathlessly, almost softer than I intended, betraying the unease I can't seem to shake.

My mind races, anxiety creeping up on me as I think about how I'm going to explain everything to him.

How am I going to tell him that I haven't even thought of a gift to give him yet? The weight of it hits me harder now that the conversation has begun.

I've had more than enough time to figure something out, but here I am, empty-handed and scrambling for a solution. The pressure of getting it right has left me stuck in a mental block, and now, with him on the other end of the line, I feel the full extent of my inadequacy.

"Thank you," he murmurs quietly, his words carrying a gentle warmth that immediately eases the anxiety building inside me.

The soothing tone of his voice washes over me, instantly calming my racing thoughts. I feel the tension in my shoulders melt away as if a heavy weight has been lifted.

Letting out a sigh of relief, I slowly lower myself onto the mattress, feeling the softness beneath me as my body finally relaxes into the comfort of the bed.