The First and Many Others
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Considering this is my first story to publish, hence the title, which resonates with many others. Not only is this my first piece of writing to be shared publicly, but my birthday also recently passed on the first of December. Here is the story.
P.S. Don’t expect too much from this to be something intellectual or profound. It’s more of a personal diary.
The truth is, I’ve always had trust issues. I don’t expect too much from anyone because I know not everyone in our lives will stay. I always tell my friends that while I care deeply for them, I’m also prepared for the possibility that one day they may leave. Our journey may take another turn, and our paths may no longer cross. It’s not pessimism; I’m just a realist.
But a few days ago, on the 5th of December, my friends surprised me with a small celebration. My boyfriend (technically, he was also involved in the surprise), my sister — who is stuck with me here in Shah Alam because of CMCO — and a few other close friends of mine. Just us. This got me thinking: it’s true what they say, “the older we get, the smaller our circle of friends gets.”
My birthday was celebrated just the way I like it. We had homecooked Asam pedas, my favorite red velvet Toothless cake, and bubur jagung sagu gula Melaka that I’ve been craving for months. It was incredibly thoughtful of my friends. The best part was the gift I received — a cute pink-colored thermos, medium-sized. My friend distinctly quoted me out loud, noting that I have a soft spot for pink, hence why she got me a pink-colored one instead of white. She also mentioned my tendency to be a bit clumsy, which made her think I might easily stain a white thermos. Fair enough.
This isn’t the first time my friends have celebrated my birthday. I’ve had it celebrated in various ways in the past. Despite not liking any form of celebration, I had the most fun on my 21st birthday, but this one is the first to truly touch my heart.
Sure, we had a pool party in 2018. My friends threw me into the pool right after our major project presentation when all I wanted was to go home, shower, and rest. Shower it was, sippin’ on straight chlorine. Note that I was still in my formal wear, extra fun.
But regardless, this year is the one I felt the most warmth. I’ve always thought that I don’t need anything else (aside from a pet dragon), but they had everything prepared, my favorites included, and more.
I might not be as expressive as people think I am. I could only text them and post our pictures on my Instagram with appreciative captions, but to thank them in person, I just couldn’t. I’m thankful for all the kindness, and despite my ego, deep in my heart, I could feel their love, and I truly appreciate all the thoughts and efforts. For the first time, I feel like there are friendships that are worth keeping close to heart.
