Birthdays are special... are they?

"I'm sorry, son. It's all my fault. I thought she will move one, eventually, but never thought she would be stuck there." Dad apologized.

"It's not your fault that she didn't move on. She chose to stay. Please, dad, promise me that you will be in my life no matter what." I asked pleasingly.

"I promise, son. I will be in your life even if you don't want to." Dad promised.

"Thank you, dad. Thanks a lot." I said with a smile and teary eyes.

"And I promise that we celebrate your 23rd birthday together," Dad said with a smile.

"I'll be counting on it," I said and ended the call.

I went and laid myself on the bed, but the thoughts of mum's behavior made me angry, and the fear of losing the opportunity to stay with dad started haunting me like always.

I slept with the thoughts and fear. The next morning, I woke up, got fresh up, and went downstairs to have breakfast. Birthdays are special, maybe to everyone, but for me, they are just another ordinary day. You were born once, they why do you have to celebrate it every year? I feel it's a waste of effort, energy, and most importantly, money.

When it came to my previous birthdays after mum and dad got a divorce. Mum acted the same like she did at night, dad wishes me every year at midnight, and he gifts some money for the party and a gift I ask for. The only one who was excited to celebrate my birthday more than me was Link.

He was the one who always throws a party to which I rejected many times, but his childish behavior convinces me anyhow. I'm afraid he would do the same today too ugh... with those thoughts, I went towards the dining table, and there he was, the proverb 'Speak of the devil and he shows up' is made for him.

He was looking at me with a big smile which was obvious that he's gonna hug me. I'm sure mum went to work, she was nowhere to be found in the house. I know what's gonna happen, I wish he won't shout again. Every year my birthday starts with him screaming "Happy birthday" and that too for god sake in the high pitch sound possible. But I was lucky because he stopped screaming for few past years, he just stares at me like I'm his favorite food and when I got close to him, he hugs me tight and wishes me.

I said not to hug him the first time he hugged me, but the answer he gave convinced me to allow him to hug me every year on my birthday. He said - "You'll only hug the person who's close to you and I want to be that person in your life on your birthday. I don't want you to spend it like you spend the rest of the year. I want you to be happy at least once in a year.".

Even the heartbroken psychopath will be convinced listening to that and so was I. It's the only day he hugs me. I wish he won't hug me again, he did last night, not again, it's uncomfortable.

When it comes to Link, he hugs me, I never hugged him back and I will never.... to anyone. I went towards the dining table looking at Link who is smiling like a complete idiot and as soon as I got near him, he ran towards me and hugged me by the waist tightly.

"Link, you literally hugged me yesterday," I said keeping my hands in my jeans pockets.

"Have you ever heard the saying 'Past is past'?" He said while adjusting his head towards my chest.

"Whoever wrote that is a complete idiot. If that was true, then I wouldn't be like this." I said with a soft chuckle.

"I told you not to think of these things at least once a year. It's the only thing I want on your birthday." He said making himself comfortable in the hug.

"Speaking of fact, it's my birthday and I should be the one asking for a gift," I said.

"I know. I also know the gift you wanted all along. Think of it as a return gift. Just shut up and don't talk at least for 5 minutes." He said while moving ahead to the other side.

As he asked for, I stayed silent for 5 minutes. The time's up and I really wanted him to let go of me. The longer he hugs the longer it makes me uncomfortable. He seemed quite comfortable though.

"Ummm... Link. How long are you planning to keep hugging me? I'm hungry."

"Well, then here you go." He said and broke the hug. Phew, now that felt comfortable.

"Thanks. Before you start your interrogation, let's eat first." I said while showing my index finger indicating shut-up.

He pouted and sat on one of the chairs at the dining table and I did the same. We had our breakfast and were about to go to my room when Link called.

"Kiet."

I turned around and looked at him.

"Ha?"

"I forgot something." He said.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I forgot to wish you." He said, trying to come towards me to hug me again.

"No, no, no." I quickly moved to the other side and escaped his hug.

He turned towards me again and smirked.

"Link, stop. You hugged me just now, if you want then wish me without hugging." I said.

"It's your birthday. I wish you hugging every year. I can't break the tradition." He said coming towards me to hug.

"Is that necessary?. You won't leave me for at least 5 minutes if I let you hug. You know I hate hugging and yet you still like to do." I said while dodging his hug.

"I do know all that stuff. Let me hug you, I will leave you right after I wish, if not then I will hug you for 10 minutes." Link threatened. Why the hell is he so interested in hugging me? Ughhh.

"Fine, but just let go of me as soon as possible. Okkay?" I demanded.

"Just a few seconds. You have to hug me too then." He said while coming towards me slowly.