19

In a modest apartment located in the suburbs of Chicago city, a boy's face was illuminated by a few candles, his eyes reflecting the few rays of light.

The boy's surprised and happy face did not change for a few seconds, and his mouth remained open…

"Happy birthday!"

A young woman who looked no older than thirty exclaimed.

Her face did not show much emotion, but the fact that she hadn't forgotten his birthday meant a lot to Hans.

"Thank you…"

The boy replied.

"Don't thank me, repay me, you should get back to school"

"You and I both know… that I don't have the luxury to do that"

The woman's dark eyes watched the boy with a mix of pity and sadness, while Hans stared at the cold floor below their feet.

"Come on, make a wish"

Incited the woman, her face still pretty emotionless.

Hans, watching the three candles in front of him on top of a little cake that looked more like a muffin, wondered what they meant.