Chapter 35 : Virtual cakes and candles

Chapter 35 : Virtual cakes and candles - 2020

At 12:00 am, my birthday officially began. It was October 22nd, 2020, and as I lay in bed, my phone rang. It was a call from my best friends from school. They had planned a surprise Zoom meeting—a virtual party to celebrate! I was both shocked and overjoyed as they unveiled a fun "Who's Who" game that they had created. I couldn't believe they had stayed up late, putting together something so thoughtful. Overwhelmed by their efforts and the flood of birthday wishes, I went to bed with a heart full of gratitude.

The next morning, I woke up to another surprise—a video compilation of birthday wishes. My best friends had reached out to people from different parts of my life, including friends from church and my old schoolmates. I couldn’t help but feel so thankful that they had contacted people they didn’t even know just to make my day special. Watching that video, I was filled with excitement and deeply touched by the love and effort that went into it.

At 8:30 am, it was time for online class. As I logged in, my teacher surprised me by wishing me a happy birthday in front of everyone. I was taken aback, my excitement growing with every unexpected gesture. Throughout the day, I continued to receive warm and heartfelt messages from friends and well-wishers. Some were long, filled with memories and love, and others short and sweet, but each one made me feel cherished.

By the evening, my mom had prepared my favorite chocolate cake. As we gathered in the kitchen to cut the cake, the day’s events replayed in my mind. Although it was a birthday celebrated amidst a pandemic, it was one of the most memorable and heartwarming birthdays I had ever had. Even with the distance, my friends and family found ways to make me feel closer to them than ever before.

Just so my friends know, I am eternally grateful for the efforts you put in for me.

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