Love Like The Galaxy

Suprised Arrival

Mia, happily munching on her pancakes, was startled by the sound of the front door opening. She glanced at the clock, surprised. It was far too early for her mother to be back from the resort.

Curiosity piqued, she padded towards the hallway, her bare feet silent on the wooden floor. As she peeked around the corner, a wide grin spread across her face.

"Uncle Ronald!" she squealed, launching herself into his arms.

Ronald, her favorite uncle, chuckled as he caught her in a warm embrace. "Well, hello there, birthday girl! Surprised to see me?"

"What are you doing here so early?" Mia asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I thought you were coming later today."

"I managed to finish my work earlier than expected," Ronald explained, ruffling her hair affectionately. "And I couldn't bear the thought of missing a single moment of your special day."

Mia, beaming, stepped back and surveyed him with a playful glint in her eyes. "So, what did you bring me?" she asked, her voice laced with anticipation.

Ronald, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, held up a finger. "Ah, that would be telling. My surprise is coming later, but trust me, you won't be disappointed."

Mia groaned playfully. "Uncle Ronald, you're killing me with suspense! Can't you give me a little hint?"

"Nope," he said, popping the 'p' with a grin. "Patience, young lady. All good things come to those who wait."

He winked, then headed towards the kitchen, the aroma of coffee drawing him in. "Now, how about some of that delicious coffee I smell?"

Mia, unable to contain her excitement, bounced back to the table, her mind racing with possibilities. What could her uncle's surprise be? A new gadget? Tickets to a concert? A weekend trip? She couldn't wait to find out.

The unexpected arrival of her uncle had added an extra layer of joy to her birthday morning. With her mother out running errands and her uncle keeping her company, Mia felt a warm sense of contentment. This was shaping up to be the best birthday ever.

Sora's arms were laden with grocery bags as she pulled into the driveway. The market had been bustling with last-minute shoppers, but she had managed to snag everything on her list – balloons, streamers, party hats, and enough cake and snacks to feed an army.

As she stepped inside, the sound of laughter greeted her ears. A warm smile spread across her face. Ronald had arrived.

"Well, well, well," she announced, entering the living room with a flourish. "Look what the cat dragged in."

Ronald, perched on the couch next to Mia, grinned. "Guilty as charged. Couldn't resist surprising my favorite niece on her birthday."

Mia, sensing an opportunity to escape the inevitable reminiscing and teasing that would ensue between her mother and uncle, jumped to her feet. "Speaking of surprises," she declared, "I'm going to go meet Emily and Henry. They promised to help me pick out a new outfit for the party."

With a quick hug for both her mother and uncle, she dashed out the door, leaving Sora and Ronald to catch up.

"She's growing up so fast," Sora sighed, watching Mia disappear down the street. "It feels like just yesterday she was learning to ride a bike."

Ronald nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "They do, don't they? But she's turning into a wonderful young woman, Sora. You've done a great job."

Sora smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest. "Thanks, Ronald. I try my best."

They settled into the couch, the familiar comfort of their sibling bond settling over them. Sora recounted her morning trip to the resort, her efforts to ensure everything was perfect for the guests, and her plans for transforming the Sky Resort event centre into a birthday wonderland.

While they chatted, a wave of guilt washed over Ronald. "Sora," he began, his voice laced with remorse, "I'm so sorry for leaving you to handle everything here on your own. The resort, Mia... it must have been tough."

Sora reached out and placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Don't apologize, Ronald. I knew you had dreams to chase, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Besides," she added with a smile, "I'm a pretty capable woman, you know."

"That you are," Ronald agreed with a proud grin. "But still, I appreciate you holding down the fort while I'm off gallivanting around the world."

Sora's smile widened. "Just promise me you're happy, Ronald. That's all that matters."

"I am," he assured her, his eyes shining with sincerity. "Happier than I've ever been."

The warmth of their bond filled the room, a testament to the enduring power of family. Despite the distance and their different paths, their connection remained strong, a source of comfort and support in a world that often felt chaotic and unpredictable.

The resort's event centre was abuzz with excitement. Balloons and streamers adorned the walls, tables were laden with delicious treats, and the dance floor shimmered under the disco ball's light. Sora, her heart swelling with pride, watched as Mia, radiant in her birthday dress, laughed and chatted with her friends.

Soon the evening wore on and the time for cake cutting approached, Mia approached her mother with a furrowed brow. "Mom, have you seen Uncle Ronald? I haven't seen him in a while."

Sora, momentarily distracted by a guest's request, scanned the room. "He was here just a moment ago," she said, a hint of concern creeping into her voice. "I'm sure he's around somewhere."

But as they searched the room, a growing sense of unease settled over them. Ronald was nowhere to be found.

Just as their worry began to escalate, a familiar melody filled the air. The sound of guitars and drums, unmistakable and electrifying, sent a shiver down Sora's spine. Turning towards the source of the music, both Sora and Mia gasped in unison.

Standing near the entrance, instruments in hand, were the members of Midnight Riot. And leading the band, a microphone in hand and a mischievous grin on his face, was none other than Ronald.

"Happy birthday, Mia!" he sang, his voice blending with the music in a powerful rendition of the birthday song.

Mia, her eyes wide with disbelief, could only stare. The surprise was so overwhelming, so unexpected, that words failed her. She looked from her uncle to the band, then back to her mother, who was watching the scene with a mixture of amusement and disbelief.

The guests, initially confused, quickly joined in the singing, their voices merging with the music to create a joyous chorus. Mia, finally finding her voice, let out a scream of delight, tears of joy welling up in her eyes.

This was beyond anything she could have imagined. Her favourite band, playing at her birthday party, led by her own uncle? It was a dream come true, a moment she would cherish forever.

As the song ended and the applause erupted, Mia rushed towards her uncle, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Uncle Ronald, this is the best surprise ever!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with gratitude and excitement.

Ronald, beaming, hugged her back. "Anything for my favourite niece," he whispered, a wink accompanying his words.

Sora, watching the scene unfold, felt a surge of warmth and happiness. This was truly a birthday to remember, a celebration filled with love, laughter, and the magic of unexpected surprises. And as she caught Maxwell's eye across the room, a playful smile exchanged between them, she couldn't help but wonder what other adventures this new year held in store for them all.