Morning sunlight streamed softly through the curtains as David gently opened Lily's bedroom door, his eyes warm with excitement. He quietly stepped closer, holding a small cupcake with a candle in it. Leaning over her bed, he began singing in a gentle, affectionate voice, "Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday, dear Lily…"
Lily's eyes slowly fluttered open, and as she recognized her dad's voice, a smile spread across her face. She sat up, still sleepy but clearly delighted. "Happy Birthday, my little star," David whispered as he held out the cupcake.
Lily looked at the glowing candle, her face lighting up. "Thank you, Daddy!" She closed her eyes to make a wish, then blew out the candle in one breath.
"What did you wish for?" David asked with a grin, tousling her hair.
Giggling, she shook her head. "It's a secret!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and David's heart warmed seeing her so happy.
They moved to the kitchen, where he'd set out her favorite breakfast—pancakes with whipped cream and strawberries, arranged in a smiley face. As they ate together, Lily's joy seemed to fill the whole room.
"These are the best birthday pancakes ever!" she declared with a mouth full of strawberries.
"Only the best for my birthday girl," David replied, watching her with a proud smile. "You're growing up so fast, Lily. I'm so lucky to be your dad."
She reached over, wrapping her arms around him. "I'm lucky too, Daddy."
At daycare, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Ms. Choi and the staff had arrived early to decorate the activity room with colorful balloons, streamers, and a big "Happy Birthday, Lily!" banner. The children quickly noticed the decorations, and a sense of anticipation filled the air.
When Lily arrived, her friends immediately gathered around, each eager to share in the celebration. Ms. Choi gathered them in a circle and announced with a smile, "Today, we're celebrating one very special friend!"
The children clapped and cheered, their voices blending in a joyful chorus. "Yay! Lily's birthday!"
Lily blushed, trying to contain her excitement, and giggled, hiding her face in her hands. Ms. Choi encouraged the children to each share a special message or drawing they'd made for Lily. One by one, they stepped forward, holding out colorful cards and pictures they'd made just for her.
"This is a picture of us playing together!" Hyun announced, holding up his drawing with pride.
Mina handed her a big card with a heart on it. "I made a heart for you!"
Lily hugged each drawing close to her chest, her eyes shining with happiness. "Thank you, everyone! I love them all!" Her friends beamed, proud to make her day special.
The celebration continued as Ms. Choi brought out a small, colorful cake decorated with flowers and a single pink candle. She placed it in front of Lily, and all the children gathered around to sing "Happy Birthday," their voices sweet and cheerful. Lily closed her eyes, a thoughtful expression crossing her face, and whispered, "I wish for a big, happy family…" before blowing out the candle, her friends cheering around her.
As Ms. Choi sliced the cake, the kids eagerly took their pieces, each enjoying the treat with delighted expressions. "This cake is so good!" Joon said, licking his fingers, and Hyun nodded eagerly, holding out his empty plate for more.
"Just one each," Ms. Choi reminded with a laugh, watching their happy faces as they savored each bite.
Once the cake was gone, Ms. Choi surprised them all by announcing an outdoor winter walk. Excitement buzzed through the group as they bundled up in their coats, gloves, and scarves, heading outside into the crisp, cold air. The children's laughter filled the yard as they ran around, collecting frosty pine cones and leaving trails of footprints in the snow.
Lily's eyes sparkled as she admired the snowy landscape, her breath visible in small clouds. "It's so snowy!" she exclaimed, bending down to pick up a pine cone.
Mina crouched beside her. "Let's find the biggest pine cone!"
Hyun triumphantly held up two. "I found two already!"
They continued their winter adventure until their noses and cheeks were rosy from the cold. Back inside, they warmed up and gathered around to watch Lily open her presents from her classmates. She carefully unwrapped each one, finding small toys, colorful markers, and a soft stuffed bear that she hugged tightly.
"Do you like the bear?" Joon asked, peeking over her shoulder.
"He's my new best friend!" Lily declared, hugging the bear close, her smile radiant.
To wrap up the festivities, Ms. Choi organized a snowball toss game using soft, white bean bags as "snowballs." The children split into two teams, cheering and laughing as they aimed for the buckets, each successful toss met with triumphant shouts.
"I got it in!" Mina yelled, jumping in excitement.
"We're winning!" Hyun shouted, raising his arms in victory.
Lily grinned, throwing another "snowball." "I'm going to get the next one!"
Their energy filled the room, laughter echoing as they played, the spirit of the celebration bright and joyful.
As the day drew to a close, Ms. Choi gathered the children in a cozy circle, each one sharing their favorite part of Lily's birthday. When it was her turn, Lily beamed, looking around at her friends. "Everything was my favorite! Thank you, everyone. This was the best birthday ever!"
Ms. Choi placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "We're glad you had a wonderful day, Lily."
Back home that evening, David prepared a cozy dinner, setting the table with a few simple decorations. After they finished eating, he surprised her with a small cake just for the two of them. As they shared it, David held up his fork in a toast. "Here's to you, Lily! The best five-year-old in the world."
Lily giggled, taking a tiny bite. "Thank you, Daddy! Today was the best birthday ever!"
After dinner, David gave her a small gift—a photo album he'd filled with their favorite memories. Lily opened it, her face lighting up as she flipped through the pages, recognizing the pictures and recalling each happy moment.
"I love it, Daddy. Can we take more pictures together?" she asked, hugging him tightly.
"As many as you want, sweetheart," he replied, wrapping his arms around her.
As she drifted off to sleep that night, Lily whispered, "I wish every day could be like today…"
David hugged her a little tighter, his heart full. "Happy Birthday, my little star."
And as the quiet evening settled around them, Lily drifted off to sleep.