Author's Preface
Luna slowed herself before climbing the stairs.
The little strawberry cake rested safely in her hands, reminding her not to let her excitement outrun her footsteps.
One careful step after another.
She glanced down every so often, making sure the frosting hadn't shifted.
Only after reaching the apartment door did she finally let out a small breath.
Everything was still perfect.
She unlocked the door as quietly as she could.
The apartment greeted her with its familiar stillness.
After slipping off her shoes, Luna carried the small cake into the kitchen and gently placed it inside the refrigerator.
Just for a little while longer.
Then she made her way toward the bedroom.
"...Mom?"
No answer.
The room was empty.
A soft breeze drifted through the open balcony door, carrying with it the quiet warmth of the winter sun.
Luna peeked outside.
There she was.
Her mother sat peacefully in a chair, eyes closed, letting the pale sunlight rest against her face.
For a moment, Luna simply watched.
Then a smile quietly found its way onto her own.
She crossed the room with careful steps until she stood behind the chair.
Without making a sound, Luna gently covered her mother's eyes.
A small smile appeared almost immediately.
"Hmm... and who is this mischievous girl?" her mother asked, amusement already slipping into her voice.
Luna giggled softly.
She slowly moved one hand away and held a single white camellia in front of her mother's eyes.
Her mother blinked once before her smile widened.
"Oh?"
She accepted the flower gently.
"It seems you've found something beautiful again."
Instead of answering, Luna leaned forward and rested her cheek lightly against her mother's.
"Happy birthday, Mom."
For a brief second, her mother simply looked at her.
Then she let out a small laugh.
"Oh dear... I suppose I forgot my own birthday."
She reached up and kissed Luna gently on the temple.
"Thank you, my little moon."
Luna's smile grew brighter.
"Guess what else I got you?"
"Hmm..." Her mother tilted her head, pretending to think. "Did you bring that tea from the commercial we saw last week?"
A quiet laugh escaped Luna.
"Tea is nice..."
She stepped back with a tiny shake of her head.
"...but I got you something even better."
Her mother smiled.
"Did you?"
"Mhm. Don't move."
Luna disappeared into the kitchen.
She took the little strawberry cake from the refrigerator and set it on the countertop.
One by one, she arranged a few small candles around the top.
Not numbered ones.
Just simple little candles.
After lighting them, she lifted the cake with both hands, taking the same careful steps she'd taken up the stairs.
The tiny flames danced softly with each step.
When she reached the balcony, she gently placed the cake on the small coffee table.
Neither of them spoke.
Her mother looked at the little cake for a long while.
Then she slowly lifted her eyes.
They had begun to glisten.
Not with sadness.
Only with happiness.
Luna smiled.
"Make a wish, Mom."
Her mother leaned forward.
The first attempt only made the flames tremble.
The second nearly won.
The third finally sent every little light drifting into the winter air as thin ribbons of smoke.
"There," Luna whispered, laughing.
Together, they cut the first slice.
Her mother pinched off a small piece with her fingers and held it toward Luna.
Luna smiled and gently guided her mother's hand back instead.
"The birthday girl gets the first bite."
A quiet laugh escaped her mother before she accepted it.
"Well... now it's my turn."
This time, Luna didn't protest.
Her mother pinched off another small piece and held it toward her.
Luna leaned forward just enough to take the bite.
A little cream found its way onto the corner of Luna's lip.
Her mother chuckled softly before brushing it away with her thumb.
Sweet strawberries.
Soft cream.
Warm laughter.
After a while, Luna picked up the white camellia once more.
Carefully, she tucked it into her mother's hair.
Her mother reached up, feeling the flower with gentle fingertips.
"Oh?"
A playful smile appeared.
"So you're decorating me now..."
She looked toward Luna.
"...just like I used to decorate you."
Luna smiled quietly.
Without another word, she rested her head in her mother's lap.
Gentle fingers found their way into her hair.
Slowly.
Patiently.
Outside, winter carried on as it always did.
Inside, the white camellia rested gently in her mother's hair.
Luna closed her eyes.
Neither of them said another word.