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December 28th...
December 28th, December 28th... Why’s that day important? Umm... What important days are there? New years is the 31st...
Oh! Could it be my birthday? Mom did leave a birthday gift along with my New Years gift... Yes, so it has to be! It must be my birthday! Yay! Happy birthday to me!
I hope my friends are there to celebrate my birthday. Aww, what if they threw a surprise party...? Hehe, that’d be nice. I know it’s unlikely, but it’s nice to think about! I think... Maria—Marina would throw it! And she’d probably drag Ira along. Maybe even Va... Vadim will be there?
I know it won’t happen, but I’m grateful to have the thought. I’m grateful that you let me think like this. Thank you!
It is my birthday, and it’s a beautiful day! I should go out for a walk! I need to get my coat, and also some cash. I think it’d be nice to grab something nice while I’m out. Mom and Dad have already left, so I’ll make sure to pull from my next allowance to cover what I’ve taken. I say goodbye while leaving to nobody in particular, just more so force of habit.
It’s cold, but nice. Nobodys on the streets, and most lights are off. It is pretty early, after all... I walk towards Zcezdochka. Should I try something new, or that thing I tried with Marina? Ah... What was it? Ummmm... Sorry, I can’t remember... Forgive me, Marina...
I get there. The lights are on. I'm surprised they’re open, seeing how early it is... I honestly was expecting them to be closed... I open the door, and—
“SURPRISE!” Marina yells, while Ira just says.
This can’t be real! It can’t be! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you, universe! Thank you, Ira, and Marina, and, and everyone! Ever! Thank you!!!
“Happy birthday!” Marina ruffles my hair. She's more careful with it than usual, as it doesn’t get messed up. Her hand is cold, but I don’t mind. It’s still warmer than outside.
“Happy birthday, Asya. Come here, we have a table.” Ira says, smiling a little bit. I think her face flushes. Ira sits down at the table me and Marina sat at last time we were here. They sit in the seats I’m pretty sure are hidden from the outside.
“I’ll get what you guys what!” Marina says, heading over to the counter.
“Ah... I’m not that hungry!” I say, waving her off.
“C’mon Aska, it’s your birthday...” Marina groans.
“Hehe, fine... I’ll get it though!” I stand up and grab something random.
Me and Marina sit back down, and we all begin eating.
“You know, I would’ve had no clue it was your birthday today if it weren’t for Ira!” Marina says, taking a bite of her cake. I can’t remember what hers was called either, but it looks good... Wait, did she just say Ira remembered my birthday? My birthday? Oh my gosh! I don’t remember telling her my birthday, which implies she looked for it! Aww... Hehe, how cute!
“Well, I only knew because of...” Ira says, clearly flustered. She trails off at the end. Is she embarrassed she looked for it? Aww, it’s okay, Ira! Hehe, don’t worry, I won’t tell Marina!
“Aww. Is someone flustered?” Marina teases, and Ira looks away.
“No! It was your idea for the surprise birthday party, anyways...” Ira says, and Marina looks smug.
“Only the best for my love!” Marina looks at me and winks. I feel my face turn red. Aggghh!! Marina... Thank you...!
I don’t eat much of my cake. I’m too busy watching the two bicker. It feels so normal. So natural.
“So, Asya, what else were you planning to do today?” Ira asks me. Ah... I did have a plan, didn’t I? What was it... Umm... Oh! Oh, yes! I remember! I wanted to spread my message to the world! I need to let everyone and everything to know I love them! I love everyone! I love Marina, and Ira! I love you!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!! I. LOVE. YOU!!!!!!!!
My signal is finally strong enough! I can finally break through! I just need to get a little higher, that’s all... The radio tower might work. Yeah, yeah! The radio tower will work! Perfect! Thank you! Wait, who am I thanking? I guess you. You can’t hear me yet, can you...? That’s okay! I won’t stop thanking you, even if you can’t hear me!
“I wanted to spread my message!” I smile.
“Your... message?” Ira looks at me, confused. Marina looks more curious.
“Yes! I want to tell everyone and everything how much I love them!” I say, and Marina and Ira exchange a glance while smiling.
“Sounds like you,” Marina hums. “Dang it! I’m almost out of cake...”
“Theres more, you know.” Ira says, rolling her eyes and taking a bite.
“But I don’t feel like getting up! Ira, will you get more for me?” Marina groans.
“No, get your own!” Ira crosses her arms.
“Maybe I’ll just take... Yours then!” Marina reaches across the table, grabbing Ira’s.
“Hey! Be careful, you’re gonna ruin Asya’s food!” Ira says, and I just now realize.
Ira wouldn’t say that.
Marina wouldn’t say that.
I’m sitting alone in Zcezdochka.
Nobody is next to me. Not Ira. Not Marina.
There is a cake in front of me. The lights are off. It’s cold. The sign on the door says closed.
I forgot. I really forgot. I forgot that I’m all alone. I forgot that I don’t even know if it’s my birthday. It’s the last day. I forgot what I needed to do.
Thank you so much. Thank you so much for letting me live in this fantasy, even just for a little bit. I’m glad I got to see them again. Even if it wasn’t real. Even if I made it all up. Even if. Thank you, for everything. I know you can’t hear that, but I swear you will. You will. For my mom and dad. For Ira and Marina. For everyone.
Everyone will hear my message, even if there's no one to hear, or accompany me on my journey. It’s cold out. The sun will rise soon. It’s the last day, and I’m the last one left. Last one who can tell everyone. I need to tell everyone. I need to express my gratitude.
The sun will rise soon. I need to get going. I stand up, and exit the place. I need to do this. I will send my message. I swear I will.
Thank you for one last birthday.