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“Haah… This wait always sucks…” Ann’s feet kicked up and down as she sat herself down onto the front stoops of her sizely estate. She looked up at the beautiful summer sky, her long brown hair falling down her back, and sighed. Time always seemed to pass slower than ever around this time of the year, and Ann was restless. That was to be expected, though. Today was an extremely special day.
“My birthday….”
Ann smiled to herself. Her birthday was always an exciting event, but she had even more to look forward to. She’d hear from her mother again, and that made it all the more significant.
Just when she’d begun growing tired of being under the blazing sun, a familiar ching made its way to Ann’s ears. “...! It’s here!!” The girl jumped up from the steps, making her way down the path to the side of the road. And as expected, there came the usual postman. He stopped before the girl, holding out a white envelope. She then snatched it away with eagerness, causing a laugh to emit from the older man.
“You’re as energetic as always— Happy birthday, Ann.”
“Ah– T-Thank you very much! Have a nice day!” With a polite bow, Ann waved the postman away. Right away, she ran over to the bench at the side of her home, and opened up the envelope, revealing a letter. Though eager, she made sure not to damage, or even slightly wrinkle the paper sitting in her hands.
Ann took a deep breath, and finally read over the letter she’d been anticipating for so long:
‘Happy birthday, Ann. You’re already thirteen years old. Have you been making friends? Time flies by in your younger years, so make sure to cherish your youth and those close to you.
I know that things can be hard sometimes, but remember to never give up. No matter what, I will always, always love you and be proud of you. Having you in my life was truly the best thing I could ever ask for, and I hope you never forget that.
I love you so, so much, Ann. Your lovely smile is enough to brighten up the world, so please don’t let anything ever take it away from you.
Once again, happy birthday. I hope today is fantastic for you, and even better than the last. I will always be in your heart and watching over you, my wonderful daughter.’
A minute of silence passed. Then it was two, then three, then five. Soon enough, drops of tears trickled onto the paper as the girl’s tight grip crumbled it slightly.
“.....Thank you… m-mama….!” Ann choked out a response, letting her sobs take over. “I love you…. I love you too…. I just wish you were here….” She buried her face into the letter, her cries softening.
And oddly enough, a sudden warmth overcame Ann’s body, almost like an embrace. She sniffled, lifting her head and looking to the sky yet again.
“...That’s right… Mama is still with me… She’s here, giving me a warm hug…” Her upset expression slowly faded as her lips formed a smile, and she hugged the paper in return. It was like she was in her mother’s arms again.
Ann’s eyes shut softly. She really couldn’t have asked for a better mother.
“....I love you, mama.
Thank you.”