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birthday wishes

by farq4d


tw: cancer

I told my best friend I didn't want to celebrate my birthday this year. I don't want the hats. I don't want to hear the song sung. I know the cake will either taste like nothing or be so sweet it will leave my teeth sore. I don't want to blow out candles. I don't want to make any wishes. I know the wish I'd make won't be granted. 

Last year on my birthday, Dad and I drove downtown in the morning. Mom was too busy with work to go, and Dad couldn't go by himself. I moved my things from the passenger seat to make space for him. I handed him the cord and let him pick out the music. I can't remember what songs he put on. I'm sure we talked over it anyway. I can't remember what we talked about. 

I dropped him off at the door and went to find parking; it was getting harder for him to walk. When I found him in the lobby, we took the elevator up to oncology. The lady at the front desk knew Dad's name. I remember wishing she didn't. Dad introduced me. She greeted me in a friendly manner. Everyone working was always chipper on that floor.

With a book I never got the chance to read, I sat next to Dad. We were busy talking, but about what I still can't remember. The nurse came in and stuck in an IV through Dad's port. Doctor would be with us in a moment. I told my Dad how my friends were coming over to play pool tomorrow for my birthday, and asked if he would join. Dad said he had a hard time getting around the pool table. 

The Doctor came in to talk with Dad. I felt like I shouldn't have been there. I wished Mom was there instead. Doctor told Dad two months. We both sat there slack jawed, even though we both figured as much; it's always different hearing it said aloud. Doctor probably said some other things. I can't remember.

The nurse returned to take out Dad's IV, chipper as ever. She asked us what we were planning for the rest of our day. Dad looked to me and said, "Breakfast." I agreed, though I didn't feel particularly hungry. They wheeled Dad out to the front doors, and that's where I picked him up to take him to Chick-fil-A. 

The chicken tasted like nothing, and the bread was too sweet. Bile built up in the back of our throats, so Dad and I washed it down with orange juice. I drove us home. Mom asked me what the Doctor said and I had to repeat it like the chorus of a song. If this had to happen, I wished it wasn't on my birthday. Mom said we'd talk about it tomorrow. I didn't want to talk about it again. 

Dad did an extra week just to spite the Doctor, just like when they told him his hair would fall out in a week and it took four. 


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Fri Aug 09, 2024 10:48 pm
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Cheerio says...



“Dad did an extra week just to spite the Doctor, just like when they told him his hair would fall out in a week and it took four.”

That part really touched me. The story was wonderfully written and heartfelt ❤️
Keep up the good work!




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Fri Aug 09, 2024 6:04 pm
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EllieMae wrote a review...



Hey there, my friend! :D I thought I would stop by and leave you a review for this fantastic piece of yours. Reading what you write always makes my day better, it always makes me happy to see you piece of yours in the green room. Let's jump right into the review:

I dropped him off at the door and went to find parking; it was getting harder for him to walk. When I found him in the lobby, we took the elevator up to oncology. The lady at the front desk knew Dad's name. I remember wishing she didn't. Dad introduced me. She greeted me in a friendly manner. Everyone working was always chipper on that floor.


Ahhh, this really touched me. I love how you use them knowing your dad's name to say so much. It's just a name, but is it? Knowing someone's name means that you're familiar with them, that you have probably learned personal things about them and have a relationship with them that is meaningful enough that you remember who they are, or you've seen them enough times that you can't forget them. It was really touching in this case, going to the oncologist. They know him, which would normally be seen as a beautiful thing, but in your case you were wishing that they didn't.

With a book I never got the chance to read, I sat next to Dad. We were busy talking, but about what I still can't remember. The nurse came in and stuck in an IV through Dad's port. Doctor would be with us in a moment. I told my Dad how my friends were coming over to play pool tomorrow for my birthday, and asked if he would join. Dad said he had a hard time getting around the pool table.


The pool table again. Honestly, this pool table is becoming a running symbol throughout all of your pieces. I feel like it really symbolize as a piece of who your dad was, something that he loved, something he did a lot, especially before he got really sick. I like how we've gone through a lot of different members of your family and their experiences with this table. Especially you and your sister. I also liked how you called that book "a book you never got to read" I feel like that symbolizes a lot more than just a book, perhaps you were so busy with other things, that you didn't even get to read it.

Dad did an extra week just to spite the Doctor, just like when they told him his hair would fall out in a week and it took four.


<33 this really got me. I found it beautiful how you use these specific numbers. Taking a situation that seems so out of control and applying it actual facts has a very strong dramatic effect. As always, your pieces always make me cry, and they always are some thing that I look forward to reading more. I hope you have a lovely day. And if if it is your birthday, sometimes soon or whenever it is, I'm wishing you the best birthday ever. I'm always here for you <33

Your friend,
Ellie




farq4d says...


thank you for the review Ellie !



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Fri Aug 09, 2024 12:47 pm
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Halal123 says...



Good Work




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Fri Aug 09, 2024 5:48 am
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WeepingWisteria wrote a review...



Hello, farq4d! Wist here to review your touching short story.

Your short story is a poignant and emotional portrayal of a difficult and heart-wrenching experience of grief and how it can impact your entire life. Your ability to capture the complex emotions surrounding the protagonist's birthday and their father's illness is truly moving. The details and candid reflections create a sense of intimacy, allowing the audience to empathize deeply with the narrator. The use of sensory details, such as the taste of the cake and the atmosphere in the hospital, adds a layer of depth to the storytelling. You convey a sense of helplessness, love, and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances. With that said, let's dive into your story.

I can't remember what we talked about.

I love the use of the protagonist not remembering certain details. It makes the overall story more realistic and paints this specific vibe of being haunted by a fuzzy memory. So, I love this touch.

Dad did an extra week just to spite the Doctor, just like when they told him his hair would fall out in a week and it took four.

This is such an amazing way to end the piece. It makes the protagonist's father a brave fighter, always defying expectations. But, in the end, it didn't save him. It was an extra week before the illness took him anyway, just like it was an extra three weeks before he lost his hair. He staved off the inevitable but never conquered it. It's equal parts hopeful and absolutely hopeless. I couldn't think of a better end.

Overall, it is a beautifully written piece that resonates on a profound emotional level. It's full of well-written imagery and bitterness. You can feel how heartbroken the protagonist is and you can't help but feel hurt with them. Thanks for publishing; I enjoyed reading.

Happy Writing!
Wist




farq4d says...


ahh thanks for the review!!!



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Fri Aug 09, 2024 3:14 am
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dissonance says...



beautiful. i don't read a lot of prose, but everything you write completes a part of me i didn't know i was missing. this is amazing as always.




farq4d says...


thank you it means a lot <3




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