Am I Forgotten? (A Pleasant Surprise)

"Zane, I have something important to tell you. Can we talk outside?" Damian told his sister.

"Ok, sure thing brother," Zane replied, baffled by her brother's guarded behavior.

Seated at a kiosk, Damian still seemed to be in deep thought. Zane tried having a conversation with him but he's answering in a curt manner. "Is something bothering you, brother?" Zane asked after a while. "Nothing. I'm fine, I'm fine," her brother replied.

"Okay," Zane said as she decided to let go of the matter. "Can we go now then? I have to finish an assignment due on the next day," she stated instead.

"Okay," Damian said.

They walked along the corridor and Zane noticed how gloomy the dormitories are. The day seemed to be ending like any other day. Even the leaves that used to be rustling seemed so still. "They have really forgotten this day," she thought sadly.

The last few steps toward Zane's dormitory seemed long. As soon as they reached the dormitory, she turned to Damian, "thank you, I'll be on my way." She opened the door. It's getting dark but the lights are still off. She was about to turn on the switch when she heard the Lady dorm matron, Amelyn, say, "Where have you been?". "I was talking with brother, Mommy," she replied. They call her 'mommy' because she treats the dorm occupants as her own child. Although she looks stern because of her big built, dark color, and grim-looking face, she manages their day-to-day routine - from waking up in the morning to do the chores at the dormitory and around the school grounds, to encouraging them in doing good at school, to supervising their study period at night. All in all, she really is a 'mommy' to them.

"Come here, I have something to tell you," mommy Amelyn said in a stern voice. Zane was puzzled again with the odd behavior that seemed to be plaguing the people this day.

She slowly walked towards her and started hearing voices...

....I've known you for so long

You are a friend of mine

But is this all we'd ever be?

I've loved you ever since

You are a friend of mine

But babe, is this all we ever could be?

You tell me things I've never known

I've shown you love you've never shown

But then again, when you cry

I'm always at your side

You tell me 'bout the love you've had

I listen very eagerly

But deep inside you'll never see

This feeling of emptiness

It makes me feel sad

But then again I'm glad...

Even before finally realizing what is happening, the tears started to flow freely in Zane's eyes. She couldn't believe that they haven't forgotten this day after all. Her dorm mates have prepared a surprise for her! With mommy Amelyn in tow at that!

They began lighting the white candles with pink ribbons that they've been holding and gave it to her one by one, along with their birthday greetings and wishes for her. Everything seemed so magical and she felt the overwhelming love and care they have for her. Last to give the candle and message was her brother. "I'm sorry I had to conspire with them Zane," he said. "I love you, we all love you here, and we'll be here for you always," he added.

"Thank you everybody! For the creative cake, the candles, the messages, and above all, the surprise," Zane said. "You don't know how much you made me happy, you all made my day! I won't forget this day, my debut, ever..." she added.

Before going to sleep, she couldn't help but remember all that happened. It all seemed a blur, but the feelings, the people, she would always remember vividly.