30. Special Day

The moment Ellie’s eyes fluttered open, a surge of excitement pulsed through her. She rolled over, glancing at the empty space beside her where River usually lay. Today was different, special—it was her birthday. She pushed off the sheets and sat up, her heart thrumming with anticipation. “Morning,” she called out as she stepped into the kitchen. River stood there, his back to her, his hands busy fixing his coffee. No sign of recognition flashed across his face—no ‘happy birthday,’ no smile. Just the clink of his spoon against the mug. “Sleep well?” she asked, leaning against the counter, eyeing the calendar on the fridge where she had circled the date in red. “Like a rock,” he replied, not turning around. The steam from his mug rose in the air, disappearing without a trace—just like her hopes that he would remember. “Big day today,” she said, trying not to let the disappointment seep into her voice. “Is it?” River finally looked at her, his eyebrows raised, a question in his gaze but