TRAPPED IN DESPAIR

“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!” everyone sang happily as laughter filled the room. It was a fantastic and glamorous moment. “Listen, my long-time friends and neighbors,” said Mrs. Max, “thank you for sacrificing your time to celebrate the birthday of my adorable twins, Dalia and Dalin. Please, clap for them!” She turned toward her daughters with a warm smile. “My children, I just want you to know that I love you so much. My love for you will always be here. You just grow too fast.” A tear escaped her eye. “Mom, no need to get emotional,” Dalin said. “You can work on that later.” The mood started fading. “Why now, Dalin?” Dalia asked softly. Their mother quickly headed to the cake table to lift the moment again. Two massive round chocolate cakes stood ready. Red roses decorated them beautifully, and the sweet scent excited everyone. Mrs. Max struck a glass with a spoon. “Listen everyone! May I have your attention?” The cheerful mood returned instantly. Dalin and Dalia smiled at the cakes, covered in a thin transparent cloth. Mrs. Max removed it gently. The cakes were stunning, and everyone clapped. Each cake had a large candle that looked reused. Mrs. Max lit them carefully and faced the small crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the elderly—everyone here—please welcome my irresistibly beautiful daughters to blow out their candles one by one!” Dalin and Dalia stepped forward, their smiles wide enough to erase their lipstick. Next to the table stood two handsome young men in tuxedos. One, slightly tall with brown hair, stared at Dalin. The other, with black hair and a gentle face, gazed at Dalia. She blushed when she noticed. Dalin went first. She thanked everyone for supporting her and made a simple wish before blowing out her candle to loud applause. She posed with the knife for photos as the crowd counted down, then walked to her boyfriend. Next was Dalia. She took a breath and said, “It’s a blessing to grow from one age to another without health complications. I’m grateful for my family. Even though God took what made our family whole, I know he’s with us in spirit. I love you all, and I pray God grants you the years you deserve.” Everyone clapped. “Wow, she gave a great speech!” “That girl is good!” “Such encouraging words!” After photos, Mrs. Max began cutting the cake into neat pieces with the help of an older lady with gray strands in her hair. Meanwhile, the twins were laughing with their boyfriends. They looked genuinely happy. Their mother felt uneasy; she didn’t fully trust the boys yet. Suddenly, Miss Thompson—very old, a bit scary-looking, though always cheerful—stepped forward. “Everyone, listen! I thought deeply about the birthday of these two beautiful girls. Since it’s their last year as teenagers, a special gift must be given. Ladies and gentlemen—a pair of doves!” She opened a small cage dramatically. The crowd burst into laughter, and the twins laughed so hard even Mrs. Max joined in. Miss Thompson looked confused. “The laughter is because a pair of doves is lovely,” Dalin said kindly, “but maybe should’ve been the last gift on the list. Still, thank you for your strange and fantastic present.” She whispered to Dalia, “I know you love nature, so I hope you’ll take care of these little dinosaur birds.” Dalia whispered back, “We should roast them instead. I hear they taste better than turkey.” They giggled quietly. Music played as the party continued. Then a neighbor shouted, “I forgive you twins for what you did in my garden five years ago, even though I expected your apology today!” Another added, “Forget the money you lost when I sent you to Mr. Jake’s farm for milk!” “Okay enough!” Dalin snapped, embarrassed in front of her boyfriend. “Let’s enjoy the party and forget the past!” The cake was sweet and delicious. After everyone finished, Mrs. Max brought out a huge wine bottle. Her expression made it clear she was up to something amusing. Mabel helped her with the glasses. Once the twins noticed the bottle, they whispered, “Didn’t she promise never to drink? Is she showing us that we’re mature now?” Everyone took a sip—and froze. “I knew it,” Dalia whispered. “She would never give us real wine.” “Ever since Dad died, she swore off alcohol in his honor,” Dalin added. “I miss him.” Dalia excused herself, and Dalin followed. The guests, unaware, continued enjoying the party with juice—the only drink Mrs. Max ever served. In the twins’ room, Dalia held her father’s portrait as tears slid down her chin. Dalin hugged her as memories of their six years with their father returned—the bedtime stories, summer trips to the beach, learning to swim, the toy bike cake, and spring walks in the woods where he taught them to love nature. They remembered how he once rescued two baby robins and helped them release them back into the wild. Every spring, the birds returned without fear. Tears fell onto the portrait. Their mother rushed in, grabbed the portrait, and asked, “What are you doing? Guests are waiting to meet you! Please leave this room.” She looked at the picture, sighed, and set it back on the table. “Your dad is still with us as long as you believe it. He wouldn’t want you crying on your birthday.” She shook the thoughts away and returned to the party. The twins’ boyfriends were singing on the mic, keeping the crowd lively. When the twins reappeared, Mrs. Max felt relieved. Their boyfriends invited them to dance, and soon the girls were smiling again. An hour later, the party began winding down, except for a few young children still playing a machine that rewarded lollipops—one child winning two while another, who also won, still received none.