To the Man I Vowed With
𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑡

I thank God for giving me more time to stay.

And now... it's my birthday.

But just like every other ordinary birthday, I couldn't celebrate like I used to. I was trapped within these four walls, reminded by my doctor not to go out, or begged by my parents to rest.

But you did something that made me cry again.

You walked in with a sparkle in your eyes, gently pulling me out of bed and wrapping me in a thick blanket.

"Trust me," you said softly, and before I could protest, we were outside---on the rooftop.

The cold air kissed my cheeks, and for a moment, I forgot about the tubes, the machines, the pain. You led me to the hospital garden, where fairy lights hung like stars, and a small table stood with a cake and a single candle.

Above us, the night sky stretched endlessly, the stars painting the darkness with their quiet beauty.

"Happy birthday," you whispered, your breath warm against my ear.

Tears welled in my eyes as I gazed at the stars above. I didn't know how many birthdays I had left, but in that moment, I felt infinite.

"Make a wish," you said, holding the cake in front of me.

I closed my eyes, unsure of what to wish for. More time? A stronger body? Or the courage to face whatever lay ahead without fear?

But do you know what I wished for, Kaiden?

I wished for your happiness.

You started singing, and I sat there, listening quietly. We watched the stars together, and I found myself whispering,

"Thank you for making me this happy." I looked at you, my heart aching. "I wish I could do the same."

But deep down, I knew. I knew your heart belonged to someone else.

You pulled me closer, your arms wrapping around me like a shield against the cold. "You make me happy just by being here, Yanna. Don't ever think otherwise."

But deep down, I also knew.

I knew I wouldn't get the chance to make you happy for much longer.

I knew this was the last birthday I'd share with you.

When we returned to my room, my parents and the doctor scolded you for taking me outside. I simply smiled and said,

"He just made me happy. Let him be. I'm going to die anyway... soon."