I awoke to the sweet taste of glucose lingering on my tongue, a satisfying sensation that brought a smile to my face as I remembered it was my birthday.
I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for turning thirty—an age that had never looked better on anyone. As I stretched and shifted positions in bed, I recalled my husband’s playful comment about my sleeping habit, which he termed “ballet dancing.” I wondered how I twisted and turned that way while asleep.
Eagerly anticipating birthday wishes, I waited for my husband and son to initiate the celebration. However, as our morning routine unfolded—devotion, breakfast, and casual conversation—not a single “Happy Birthday” was uttered. My husband proceeded with his day as usual, while our son, Joshua, chattered about his upcoming weekend tests.
“Mom, did you know we have three tests this weekend?” Joshua asked, his eyes wide with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
“Three tests? That’s quite a lot, honey. What subjects?” I inquired, trying to mask my disappointment at the lack of birthday acknowledgement.
“Math, Science, and English,” he replied, counting them off on his fingers. “I’m not worried about Math or Science, but English… ugh!” He dramatically flopped his head onto the table.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at his theatrics. “Well, how about we review your English notes together this evening? We can make it fun with some word games.”
Joshua’s face lit up. “Really? That’d be awesome! Can we use those colourful flash cards you made last time?”
“Of course,” I promised, ruffling his hair affectionately.
As our conversation continued, confusion and disappointment began to creep in. How could they forget my birthday? I’d been excitedly mentioning it all week. Part of me wanted to remind them, but I held my tongue, silently observing their laughter and jokes.
“My mom invited us over this evening,” my husband announced, momentarily lifting my spirits. Perhaps my mother-in-law would remember.
“Yes, we’ll go,” I replied, already envisioning the perfect gift and our next culinary adventure together. My mother-in-law was an exceptional cook, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.
Joshua interjected, “But I’m spending the weekend with Aunt Chi. Joan’s competing in the Double Dutch game tomorrow, and I’m cheering for her.”
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by this sudden change of plans. “Double Dutch? Since when are you interested in jump rope competitions?”
Joshua’s cheeks reddened slightly. “Well, um, Joan’s really good at it. And I promised I’d be there to support her.”
My husband and I exchanged knowing glances.
“You know, son,” my husband began, a mischievous glint in his eye, “there might be quite a few girls at this event. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
Joshua’s blush deepened. “Dad! It’s not like that. Joan’s my cousin. Besides, Aunt Chi will be there too.”
After a brief attempt to playfully tease Joshua about attending an event surrounded by girls, we hurried through breakfast and departed for our respective destinations.
At work, my colleagues showered me with prayers, wishes, and promises of gifts. Yet, the absence of any acknowledgement from my husband lingered. No call, no text, no surprise delivery—nothing. I tried to focus on my tasks, but my mind kept drifting to thoughts of my family’s apparent forgetfulness.
On my way home, I stopped to buy a cute dress for my mother-in-law, imagining our upcoming conversation and the new recipes I’d learn. The soft, floral fabric reminded me of her garden, and I hoped it would bring a smile to her face. Little did I know what awaited me.
As I opened the front door, I was greeted by an eruption of “Happy Birthday!” There stood my husband, Joshua, mother-in-law, sister-in-law Chi, her daughter Joan, and my elder brother. Shocked and confused, I stood frozen, my mother-in-law’s gift still in hand.
My husband appeared moments later, carrying an enormous cake inscribed with the words, “Happy Birthday, my Amazon.” The delicious aroma of vanilla and buttercream filled the air, making my mouth water instantly.
Overwhelmed with emotion, I realized they hadn’t forgotten—they had been planning this sweet surprise all along. The elaborate ruse, the casual conversations, even Joshua’s sudden interest in double Dutch—it had all been part of their plan.
As he embraced me, my husband whispered, “Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. I didn’t forget.” The butterflies in my stomach danced as I joined in the celebration, surrounded by the love of my family.
Joshua rushed forward, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Mom, did we surprise you? Did you really think we forgot?”
I laughed, ruffling his hair. “You certainly did, my little actor. I had no idea!”
As we gathered around the cake, sharing stories and laughter, I felt a profound sense of belonging. This is where I belong, I thought. Home is wherever these wonderful people are.
READ ASLO: When Family Becomes the Most Important Destination
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