I practically skipped to the bakery because I was excited for Mother’s birthday. I bought four slices of vanilla cake with vanilla frosting; my favorite flavor. I usually buy three slices: one for Mother, Flora, and me, but Father might come today. I went to the flower shop next.
“Good afternoon Flora.” I sang.
“Wow, you’re so happy today. I’m usually the one greeting you first.” She giggled.
“Today’s my mom’s birthday and it’s the only day of the year I look forward to.” I handed her a slice of cake.
“Thank you.”
“Can I have a bouquet of pink and white carnations?”
“Coming right up.”
I watched her grab a hand full of flowers and delicately wrapped them in a light pink paper. She secured the bouquet with a shiny pink ribbon. She surprisingly handed me a blue balloon.
“What’s this for?” I asked.
“A birthday balloon, for you.”
I stared at her, the extended arm with the balloon, and at her again.
“Today’s not my birthday.” I stared at her with bewilderment.
“I know, but tomorrow is.” She laughed, “You forget your birthday every year because you’re so busy spending time with your mom, you forget about yourself.”
I blinked at her and then finally realized what she was talking about. My birthday is the exact day after Mother’s. Every year, I spend my birthday at the cemetery cleaning the place up. I grimaced at the thought of those same guys ruining my own birthday every single year since I was twelve.
“Are you okay?” She noticed me making a face.
“Yeah, just thinking about something.” I took the balloon and thanked her before leaving.
I started to get anxious, hoping Father was going to be at the cemetery.
“Don’t get your hopes up, Adam. You’ll only disappoint yourself when – I mean, if, he doesn’t show up.” I told myself.
I walked into the cemetery and my anxiety immediately died. Father was nowhere around. I walked over to Mother’s grave with my head hanging low. I saw an ugly orange lily in front of the tombstone. Maybe someone saw the date on Mother’s stone and was just being nice. I sighed and set down the bouquet and the three slices of cake.
“Guess Dad’s not coming,” I threw out one of the cakes in the trash can nearby.
“Happy birthday to you,” I took a small bite of my cake, “And happy almost birthday to me.” I sighed and let go of the blue balloon.
I watched it float freely into the sky as it looked smaller and smaller every second.
I quietly hummed the “Happy Birthday” song to Mother. I stopped when I heard the shuffling of feet nearby.
YOU ARE READING
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Fanfiction*FKA: Forever Alone* Adam Milligan was simply a 17 year old boy with a lot of past troubles that has caused him to be who he is today. The day his mother died, his whole life changed and he knew he would never be able to find happiness again. He l...
