Grace woke up that morning with a spark in her eyes and a flutter in her heart. She had turned thirteen! finally a teenager. It was a milestone she had been counting down to for months. No longer a child, she told herself, but on the cusp of becoming someone important, someone the world would notice.
It turned out this very day was only exciting to Grace because birthdays were seldom celebrated at her home. She started off the day as every other day, with chores and errands here and there. "Mom and Dad literally forgot it's my birthday" Grace mumbled while she did the dishes but it looked like grace wasn't going to let anything ruin her mood for this big day. She was done with her morning routine when she decided to remind her parents.
"I can't believe you guys" she said, addressing her parents and siblings. Every one of them seemed perplexed. "It's my birthday! I'm a teenager now!".
Her parents who had more important things to worry about responded "Really? You're now a big girl oh" with a smile that almost looked forced.
Grace refused to let the off-energy get to her. She had convinced her parents to let her host a small party. It wasn't planned, but in her excitement, she figured everyone would want to celebrate with her. After all, who wouldn't want to come to a party for her? She hurriedly made a guest list and sent out invitations via text, her fingers flying across her mom's phone screen with a giddy determination(she wasn't in possession of any mobile phones)
She spent hours setting up the house with her siblings, inflating balloons and arranging a cake that proudly displayed the number "13" in glossy purple frosting. Her favorite playlist echoed through the air, and a table groaned under the weight of candies, cupcakes, and sodas
As the clock struck 4pm, which was the designated start time, Grace stood by the door that led to the living room, her smile wide and hopeful. Minutes passed. Then an hour. The first flush of excitement began to fade, replaced by a sudden rush of anxiety.
Only a handful of people showed up: her best friend, Muna , and two cousins who lived nearby. The other friends she had invited either didn't respond or sent apologies, citing other plans or simply the lack of notice.
"Sorry, Grace," Muna murmured, noticing the way Grace's shoulders slumped. "It's probably because you told them last minute. Maybe they'll come next time."
Grace nodded, but her heart wasn't in it. She tried to laugh and play along with the few guests who had come, but her gaze kept darting to the empty chairs and the untouched food. The party she had dreamed of, filled with laughter, chatter, and dozens of smiling faces had flopped.
By the time the sun set, Grace excused herself and retreated to her room. She stared at the mirror, "Happy birthday," she whispered to her reflection, her voice thick with unshed tears. She turned off the lights, hoping sleep would bring a better day.
Unknown to her, this disappointment would be the seed of something far greater. This wasn't just the end of a bad day but the start of a journey that would teach her the meaning of resilience, self-worth, and the power of genuine connections. But for now, thirteen felt like the loneliest number in the world.