As August approached, the air was filled with a sense of anticipation for Maria. Keid, persistent in his desire to make her birthday special, had been playfully pressuring her to accept his gift for months. However, Maria, accustomed to a more modest celebration of her birthday, had initially resisted.
On the eve of Maria's birthday, the clock neared midnight. Keid, determined to be the first to wish her, dialed her number. The phone rang, and just as the clock struck 11:58, Maria picked up.
"Happy almost birthday, Maria!" Keid's voice carried a contagious excitement.
Maria chuckled, "Thank you, Keid. You're way too eager."
"I just want to make sure I'm the first one to wish you at midnight," Keid replied with a hint of mischief.
As the clock ticked closer to midnight, Keid and Maria engaged in light banter, their laughter echoing through the phone. The seconds stretched, and at exactly 12:00 am on August 6th, Keid's warm voice filled the silence. "Happy birthday, Maria!"
"Thank you, Keid! You managed to beat everyone to it," Maria teased.
Minutes later, the door to Maria's room burst open, revealing her sister carrying a cake adorned with flickering candles. Maria's eyes widened in surprise, and Keid, still on the call, witnessed the scene unfolding.
"Happy birthday, Maria!" her sister exclaimed, the speaker in her hand playing the familiar melody of the birthday song.
Maria, caught between the warmth of the moment and the glow of the phone screen, couldn't help but smile. Keid, virtually present, joined in the celebration, his laughter mingling with the joyful chorus. The digital divide seemed to disappear as Maria blew out the candles, surrounded by the laughter and good wishes from both sides of the connection.
As the birthday song faded, Maria looked at Keid through the screen, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Keid. This is... unexpected."
Keid grinned, "I told you I'd make your birthday special. And we're just getting started."
The rest of the day unfolded with a series of surprises orchestrated by Keid, each one leaving Maria both amazed and touched. Virtual games, heartfelt messages from friends, and a virtual party that transcended the limitations of distance. Keid's efforts to make her day memorable were relentless, and Maria found herself swept away in the tide of his thoughtfulness.
As the day came to a close, Maria reflected on the unexpected joy that had unfolded. Keid, though miles away, had managed to infuse her birthday with a sense of connection that transcended the physical distance.
Before ending the call, Maria looked at Keid with a twinkle in her eye. "Thank you for making today so special. And guess what? I'll make sure I'm the first to wish you a happy birthday when it's your turn."
Keid chuckled, "I'll be looking forward to it, Maria. Happy birthday once again."
As the call ended, Maria sat in the quiet of her room, the echoes of the day still lingering. Keid, though physically distant, had managed to create a bridge of celebration that connected their worlds.
After the call with Keid, Maria found herself sitting in the quiet aftermath of her birthday celebration. A realization dawned on Maria: she was in deep, much deeper than she had anticipated.
A subtle warmth spread through her chest, a quiet acknowledgment that the emotions swirling within her were traversing uncharted depths. Maria couldn't help but marvel at the ease with which Keid had become an integral part of her life. It was a revelation that both excited and unnerved her.
