By daily 
Nik woke up early, his heart light with excitement. Today was his birthday, a day he’d waited for all year. He imagined a cozy gathering, treats piled high, and the warmest hugs from everyone. But as the morning stretched on, there were no signs of a celebration. No decorations, no whispers of “Happy Birthday.”
He padded through the house, his ears drooping as he searched for even the tiniest hint of a party. Neo and Meda were busy playing tug-of-war, while Koli and Mill napped in a sunbeam by the window. Even Gin, his closest friend, was too occupied sniffing around for a snack to notice him.
As the day went by, Nik’s tail drooped lower and lower, his excitement giving way to a heavy sadness. What if no one remembered? The thought made his heart ache. Trying to hide his disappointment, Nik found a quiet spot in the garden, his favorite place, and lay down with a sigh.
But then, he heard faint whispers and the soft crunch of footsteps. Curious, he lifted his head just in time to see his friends gathered around with big, happy grins. Gin was leading the group, a tiny party hat perched on his head. “Surprise, Nik!” they shouted, tails wagging like crazy.