Ella woke up on her special day, her heart light and hopeful. She stretched, her paws reaching out to the morning light, ready for the flurry of hugs, treats, and “Happy Birthdays” she was sure would come. But as she trotted through the house, everyone seemed busy, hurrying about as if it were just another ordinary day.
No one stopped to say anything, no one called her name with that cheerful voice they used on special occasions. Her ears drooped, and a small ache filled her chest. Had everyone forgotten? she wondered, settling down quietly in her favorite corner, her heart heavy.
As the minutes dragged on, Ella’s mind wandered to past birthdays, where laughter and love filled the air, and she’d felt like the center of the world. But this year, silence hung around her, and a soft tear began to form in her eye. 💔