Winter 48, X008

  I wasn’t expecting gifts for my birthday, even though they were just from Haley and my father. It was the first time I’d ever received gifts. We don’t really do gift-giving; it’s not something that’s ever been part of our tradition. The concept of exchanging gifts doesn’t really exist for us.

  Now that I think about it, Haley and Marge did try to give us things during our first birthday tradition together. When the three of us guys had our birthdays, both Haley and Marge offered us some items, but we all just said, “We don’t need it,” thinking it was just random stuff. After being turned down by each of us, Haley and Marge eventually stopped trying altogether.

  The three of us never really understood the concept of gift-giving. I only brought it up to Haley because of that one time at the beach when I overheard a conversation between a guy and a girl. It was almost the exact same situation as mine. The girl seemed hesitant to accept the gift, but when the guy said something—those specific words—she finally took it. Then they hugged and kissed.

  A wave of jealousy washed over me, and without thinking, I muttered, “Lucky bastard.” I’m pretty sure they heard me because they both turned to stare at me, their eyes filled with disdain.

  My father’s gift was a necklace of some sort. I don’t fully understand why he chose to give me something like this, but he insisted that I should always wear it at all times. The necklace has a simple design, but what catches the eye are the three gem-like stones. They look fragile, as if they could break easily, but they’re actually quite tough.

  He seemed really proud of the gift, so I’ll do as he said and keep it on.

  On the other hand, the gift I received from Haley is a magical device that uses a mana stone. It creates light by pressing something—she called it a button, I think. It’s like a lantern, but instead of relying on oil, a wick, and a flame, you just press the button, and it lights up. The only catch is that I’ll need to replace the mana stone once it runs out of mana.

  When Haley first handed it to me and explained how it worked, I was on the verge of refusing it. It felt too precious, too extravagant. But before I could say anything, she stepped closer. I could feel the warmth of her breath near my ear as she whispered in a soft, soothing voice, "It’s for when you’re alone in the dark. And I know full well you’re afraid of it." Her words sent a shiver down my spine, not from fear but from the intimacy of the moment. When she pulled back, her cheeks were flushed, and she quickly turned away, offering me a shy smile before hurrying off to join the others.

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  At that time, I tried my best not to fall for her. So I kept thinking about large breasts to sway my mind from her.

  Nothing really happened after that. We carried on with the usual birthday traditions, except now there was an awkward tension between me and Haley. There were moments when one of us would try to start a conversation, but it would just fall apart. And just like that, my birthday came to an end.

  We said our goodbyes, and with that, they headed home.

  Then that’s when it hits me, a memory from long time ago.

  It was a dark autumn night, and we were going around the village asking for sweets. It was a tradition for kids to dress up as monsters or something similar, believing it would ward off evil spirits.

  As we roamed, Daelan mentioned that the area we were in had fewer houses to visit for treats. He claimed to know a shortcut to a part of the village with more houses and led us to a pitch-black alleyway.

  Haley and I hesitated, seeing how utterly dark the path was. We wanted to find another way, but Daelan insisted this was the shortest route. He boasted that he had memorized the path and could navigate it even in complete darkness, telling us to just follow his voice.

  To our dismay, Hank and Marge agreed to his plan.

  Once we entered the alley, Daelan suddenly suggested we start running to get to the other side faster and collect more treats. As we ran, I noticed something—Haley was crying far behind us. Even as a child, I had better hearing than most, and her sobs were unmistakable. Despite my own fear of the dark, I wanted to help her.

  I called out to her, and she answered. I told her to extend her hand toward my voice and to keep calling out to me, while I stretched my hand in her direction. With every second I spent enveloped in darkness, my body began to shake with fear. But then, finally, I felt her hand brush against mine. I grasped it tightly, my voice trembling as I said, “Don’t let go.” I’m sure she could feel the fear in my trembling grip as I held on.

  Eventually, Daelan realized the two of us were missing and began shouting our names. I used his voice to guide us out of the alleyway, relief washing over me as we emerged into the dim light of the village.

  When we came out of the alley way I noticed Haley was giggling but I didn’t pay mind on it.

  Perhaps at that time Haley realized I was more scared of the dark than her and that’s why she giggled at me. Then she decided to give me this magic device. But now, the darkness doesn’t frighten me as it once did.

  Then finally when I gifted her that necklace she used this chance to gift it to me. Because I would most likely accept the gift this time as I acknowledge gift giving at that time.

  End.