I settled into the car next to my brother, my curiosity piqued by Greg's mysterious demeanour. As we drove, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. I glanced out of the window, the world passing by in a blur of colours. Greg focused on the road and seemed unusually quiet, his lips curled into a mischievous smile every now and then. The car pulled into a charming park, adorned with blooming flowers and tall trees. My eyes widened as I realized where we were. It was the same park where I used to spend countless hours with my family during my childhood, it was also the same park where Irwin and I spent most of our evenings...

"Greg, why are we here?" I asked, my voice laced with anticipation.

Greg chuckled, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Remember how we used to come here with mom, dad, and everyone? Well, today, we're recreating those magical moments."

My heart swelled with emotion. I had always cherished the memories of those family outings, the laughter, the games, and the warmth we all shared. But there was something more to this surprise, something Greg wasn't revealing yet or maybe it's just my delusional thoughts speaking.

As we walked deeper into the park, the nostalgic ambience enveloped me. I noticed a small gathering of people near a gazebo, beautiful flower decorations, candles and many more. My eyes widened in realization. This was not just a casual trip down memory lane; amidst everything, I forgot my own birthday. Today I am 24 years old.

Mum, Dad and family friends greeted me with warm smiles. Mum held me in arms, her eyes gleaming with pride. "Happy birthday, my baby!" she said, her voice filled with love.

I gasped, my eyes welling up with tears. I had completely forgotten that today was my birthday. The realization of the effort my family had put into organizing this surprise overwhelmed my heart. I'm so blessed to have such amazing people. There were balloons, streamers, and a table piled high with my favourite dishes and sweets.

"Surprise!" My friends shouted, popping up with a champagne bottle from behind the gazebo. They held colourful presents and wore wide smiles, their excitement contagious.

I felt a surge of gratitude and love. I hugged them tightly, feeling blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people. The day unfolded into a whirlwind of laughter, games, and heartfelt conversations. It was a day filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. In that moment, I knew that my positivity and confidence had brought me not only personal happiness but also the love and support of my family and friends. As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the park, I made a silent wish, hoping that the bond they shared would continue to grow stronger, making every day as beautiful as this one.

>> ♡ <<

Thanksgiving Day

In the dim light of the room, the delicate interplay of shadows danced on the walls, casting mysterious patterns across the pale chocolate paint. The room felt both intimate and foreign, an amalgamation of luxurious tastes and subtle elegance. The minimal decor, adorned with hints of gold, added an air of opulence to the space, contrasting the simplicity of the design. The white curtains billowed gently, kissed by the remnants of the ruthless wind that had found its way into the room. The ambience was infused with a musky aroma, reminiscent of aged wood and subtle spices, mingling with the freshness of dew and the sweet fragrance of jasmine flowers. The scent hung in the air, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that heightened my senses as I attempted to make sense of my surroundings.

I clung tightly to the soft, velvety blanket that enveloped me, providing a sense of security amidst the confusion. My nakedness left a vulnerable feeling, the smooth fabric a comforting shield against the unfamiliar chill in the room. With every step, the plush carpet under my feet offered a luxurious sensation, grounding me in the midst of my disorientation.

As I began to descend the stairs, the muffled voices grew louder, echoing through the lavish surroundings. The sound reverberated off the walls, creating a cacophony of whispers and murmurs that heightened my curiosity. There was an air of familiarity to the voices, a sense of recognition that tugged at the corners of my mind.

Just as I was about to explore further, a strong arm encircled me, pulling me back gently. I felt a rush of fear as the hand covered my mouth, muffling any potential scream. The stranger's hot breath against my neck sent shivers down my spine, mixing with the cold wind that still lingered in the room. His scent sent imaginary butterflies in my tummy, I couldn't help but stare at his face in the dark.

This unknown man is sending me chills in my spine, why does this scent seem familiar? I couldn't help but get absorbed in his sweet aroma. My heart pounding so loud that I could hear my own heartbeat. The contrast of sensations left me trembling from fear and the chilly air grazing my skin.

My eyes widened in shock and disbelief.

"Who are you?" The word escaped my lips, barely audible, as I stared at the man before me in the dark. My mind raced to reconcile the fantasy I had just indulged in with the reality of the situation. Flustered and overwhelmed, I could only manage to part my lips, my voice caught in my throat. It's so embarrassing.

"It's Gregory and Nonna," the man replied calmly, his tone laced with a hint of amusement, as he handed me a set of clothes. His eyes never left mine, threatening to engulf mine. He's so hot but I could not see his face as the room was dark.

"What?" unable to make sense of his words I asked confused. He looked at me,
his expressions only deepened the mystery, leaving me with more questions than answers. "The Voices" he replied amused by my stupidity.

I accepted the clothes he handed me, my fingers trembling slightly, and quickly began to dress, all the while trying to make sense of the inexplicable situation I found myself in. I have a feeling the night is going to be youthful. I came down to help Nonna in the kitchen. She was making her famous potato and peas stuffed mozzarella cream pie.

Mum already baked a cinnamon-flavoured cranberry cake with wild berries frosting. It looked yummier than it sounded actually. For this special occasion, Dad made his famous chop suey with grilled tofu, aubergine, yellow and red peppers, mushrooms and baby corn. It's one of my favourite dishes from childhood. Since we are vegetarian and all our friends are mostly vegan and vegetarian we have carefully crafted the necessary dishes for a memorable Thanksgiving party.

"Hey there," a familiar voice said, I looked up and saw Gregory, I was about to let him taste my best cookies - Lemon and pistachio cranberry cookie when I saw Romeo coming in our direction.

"Hey, don't touch, it's for dinner"

"Looks like Abby became a better chef while I was away" Romeo said

I look at him unable to figure out his emotions, does it mean he liked my cookies before? Or is he just making fun of me? Either way, I won't care.

"I did" I replied without making the slightest eye contact with him.

Once everyone was seated, Dad raised a toast for Romeo and Calantha, although she was working in a real-estate office in my Amsterdam branch, Romeo was the one who returned back from Ireland after eight years. He came back as one of the most dashing bachelors in town. Rumours had it that he almost had a marriage with a young shoo-Li, the billionaire supermodel. Romeo McFlurry, ruthless and cold-blooded as the media portrays him is one of the most handsome men I knew.

He is better than refined wine. I know he is among the friends of my brothers, but I couldn't help to stare at those glaring dead eyes. I was not as close to him in our childhood but I still remember the first time he talked to me in the park. I was 12 years old and he was 16 years old. I fell down and bruised my knees, he brought me a flowery bracelet and a chocolate. That was the first time I saw him, a handsome boy with the brightest smile, his eyes glistening in the sun. Not gonna lie, I had a crush on him. Who would believe after so many years he would change so much? Now, in the present, my heart resonates with a sense of emptiness.

The boy who once painted my world with warmth and kindness has transformed, leaving behind the vestiges of our shared past. The void, once filled with the echoes of his laughter and the memories of that innocent gesture, now echoes with the silence of bygone days. In an attempt to rekindle the flickering embers of romance that once burned within, I seek solace in the immersive narratives of Chinese dramas. Each episode becomes a canvas where I paint my longing, hoping to draw forth the emotions that time and distance have concealed.