A Candle for Love
The single candle flickered, casting a soft glow on the baby’s chubby cheeks. His big, bright eyes sparkled with pure delight as he reached out toward the small cake before him, his tiny fingers twitching with curiosity. The scent of vanilla and buttercream filled the air, mingling with the warmth of love that radiated from his mother’s embrace.
Birthday candle FAIL
Maria watched her son, her heart swelling with emotion. Today was his first birthday. A milestone, a miracle. She traced the soft curls on his head with her fingertips, remembering the nights she spent awake, holding him close, whispering lullabies, and wiping away silent tears. A year ago, she had entered the hospital alone, afraid, and uncertain of what lay ahead. Now, she sat in their modest home, cradling the most precious gift life had ever given her.
The teddy bear sat in the background, its beady eyes reflecting the soft light of the birthday candle. It had belonged to her as a child, passed down from her own mother. It was worn, its fur faded, but to Maria, it carried years of love, whispered dreams, and the hope that her son would never know the struggles she had endured.
She had planned this moment for weeks, saving every spare coin to buy the ingredients for the cake. It wasn’t extravagant, but to her, it was perfect. She wanted her son to have this memory, even if he was too young to recall it himself. She wanted him to feel the love that surrounded him, to know that despite their struggles, he was cherished beyond words.
As the baby babbled and clapped his hands, Maria felt a lump rise in her throat. How quickly time had passed. It seemed like only yesterday she had cradled his tiny body in the hospital bed, afraid to blink, afraid he might disappear if she did. He had been so small, so fragile, yet he had filled the empty spaces in her heart with a love so profound it sometimes overwhelmed her.
She leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. “Make a wish, my love.”
The baby giggled, his eyes fixated on the flickering candle. Of course, he didn’t understand wishes yet, but Maria made one for him. She wished for his happiness, for his dreams to come true, for a life filled with warmth, kindness, and endless laughter.
With a gentle breath, she helped him blow out the candle, sealing her silent prayer into the universe. The small flame extinguished, but the love in the room burned brighter than ever.
Happy birthday, my sweet boy, she whispered in her heart. You are, and always will be, my greatest wish come true.
