Oliver woke up feeling a little older and a lot wiser—it was his 6th birthday, after all. He stretched his legs, ready for the day to bring something special. Birthdays always meant treats, belly rubs, and maybe even a new toy. But as the morning wore on, the usual excitement didn’t follow.
Oliver waited patiently by the kitchen, his big brown eyes scanning for any sign of celebration. The house was calm, and there were no signs of a birthday surprise. No cake, no extra treats. He wagged his tail just a little, still hopeful that the day wasn’t over yet.
As the afternoon sun filled the room, Oliver lay down by the window, his heart a little heavy. Maybe his family had just forgotten. But even though there wasn’t a party, Oliver knew he was loved. He had everything he needed—his family, his home, and plenty of cuddles.