Miyabi Birthday Story

Imu arrived an hour early to spend time with Miyabi on her special day. She nervously clutched at a gift bag that was filled to the brim. Luckily Miyabi's father was so understanding and knew Imu so well. He let Imu visit Miyabi alone and she was eager to see her friend. Imu was out of breath when she got to Miyabi's room and she set down the bag next to the bed 'I know I'm early but you know me.'

 

There was no answer. Why would there be? Miyabi hadn't spoken since their fight with the Yoma. Imu's wounds had long since healed but all Miyabi could do was lie in bed and be tended to. It wasn't certain whether words could reach Miyabi but Imu would try regardless. 'Happy birthday!' Imu cheered 'You must be eager to open your presents huh? But first you gotta see the cake!'

 

Imu took out a tiny box and laid it open on a tray to reveal a piece of chocolate mud cake that was only big enough for one person. Imu knew that Miyabi would never be able to eat it. It would probably end up being eaten by Miyabi's father out of pity or thrown in the trash. For Imu it was simply the thought that counted. She planted a solitary candle on the piece and lit it. Either out of delusion or desperation Imu sang "Happy Birthday" to Miyabi.

 

'Okay, make a wish!' Imu stood and waited until the wax on the candle was about to trickle down onto the cake. Imu blew the candle out for Miyabi 'Just make sure to keep it a secret or it won't come true.'

 

It was time for the presents. She reached into the bag and took out a black jacket with silver fur around the collar 'Do you like it? This was the kind of thing you used to wear so I thought it would still be your style' Imu held the jacket up to "show" Miyabi 'I know it's summer but they say you might wake up soon and maybe by then it will be time to wear something like this.'

 

Imu folded the jacket and left it at the foot of the bed and reached down for the next gifts; CDs and concert DVDs of American bands Miyabi liked 'You were always listening to that one band. So I figured you'd like these.' Imu placed one of the CDs in Miyabi's lap and it slipped down the covers into a crevice 'That's the latest one. I wasn't sure if you had it already.' There was no way Miyabi could have it. Imu waited for a response. 'I knew you'd love it!'

 

At the bottom of the bag was some pictures in frames. Imu showed each one to Miyabi. 'There's us as kids, and here's one just before we went to high school. Oh Murasaki's in this one and she even has that bear.' Imu smiled fondly 'You should see her now.' She took out her phone and found the one picture she had of Murasaki 'See? She looks grown up. You wouldn't even recognise her.'

 

Her phone was filled with pictures of events and changes that Miyabi was never there for. She couldn't keep her brave face any longer. Imu sat down and brought the chair in close and clutched at Miyabi's hand. Her lip quivered 'I miss you so much. Everyone else is gone, my own sister won't talk to me and you can't talk to me.' Imu held back her tears. 'I don't want to spend another birthday with you like this.'

 

She sniffled and scraped icing off of Miyabi's cake to eat away her sorrow. As the chocolate hit her tongue she felt shame 'Ugh, look at me.' Imu laughed at her tears 'This is supposed to be your day and I'm ruining it.' She wiped her red eyes and smiled. As long as Miyabi was still in this world there was hope they would be together again. Until then Imu had to be strong for her.

 

'We've been together as long as I can remember' Imu wrapped her arms around Miyabi as best she could and hugged for the first time since they were children 'You're my best friend. Happy birthday Miyabi.'