I burst into tears. I hadn’t had a birthday in as many years as my mom had been dead.
Fine, I knew I didn't deserve it. But, brother, I really didn't mean to disgust you yesterday. I was just giving you a hint, hoping you would listen and that I would actually hear you say, “Happy Birthday” before I died.
After all, I was expecting too much.
Part 3
I followed my brother all the way home.
On the way, he bought Rochelle's favorite sunflowers and picked out Rochelle's favorite durian cake.
My brother called Rochelle several times with satisfaction, but no one answered. So, he panicked and was afraid that something might happen to Rochelle. As a result, he overtook her ten times and cut her off eight times along the way.
Since I was in the passenger seat, I could clearly sense my brother's inner panic. But then, I felt a bit disappointed that he didn’t show that expression when I didn’t answer his call some time ago.
After arriving, my brother got out of the car and ran home. His hand stopped on the door handle, shaking but not daring to use force.
"Rochelle." My brother's voice was shaking.
I had only seen that kind of panic on his face when my parents died.
Soon, the door opened with a click. Rochelle rubbed her sleepy eyes. Her eyes full of aggravation when he asked, "Brother, what took you so long? Did you forget what day it is today?"
I envy Rochelle for being able to blame her brother without restraint. Those who are loved were always fearless. Unlike me, I could only weakly pray for a birthday blessing from my brother but couldn’t get it in the end.
When my brother confirmed that Rochelle was fine, his whole body relaxed. Then, he hugged Rochelle tightly as if he had regained what he had lost while saying, "Rochelle, why didn't you answer the call? I was scared to death."
"Brother, I'm sorry, I fell asleep waiting for you."
Rochelle was full of apology, her voice choked with sobs.
My brother was most afraid of Rochelle crying, so he immediately coaxed her in a gentle voice, “Rochelle, I will never forget such an important day."
My brother pulled out an old jewelry box from his pocket like a magic trick and said happily, “Happy birthday, my lovely Rochelle."
When I saw what was in the box, I rushed to grab it like madman, but I couldn't stop my brother from taking out the jade pendant and putting it around Rochelle's neck.