It was my birthday, years ago.
I remember waking up like any other day. Yushen was busy with work—meetings, calls, plans. I didn't expect him to celebrate. I didn't even expect a message.
But that night, just before I was about to go to sleep, my phone rang.
"Anna…"
His voice. Calm. Thoughtful. Careful.
"Happy birthday," he said softly.
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me despite the exhaustion of the day.
"Thank you, Yushen… I know you've been busy," I said.
"I had to call," he said. "Even if it's late, I wanted to celebrate with you, even for a few minutes. Just us. Just enough to mark your day."
We talked quietly. He asked about my day, about the little things that had made me laugh or smile. I told him about my small routines, my thoughts, my quiet moments, and he listened—really listened.
"You sound happy," he said after a pause. "I like that."
"I am happy," I replied. "Hearing from you… it makes it better."
He paused for a moment, then said:
"Consider this the start of your birthday. Tomorrow… I'll make sure we celebrate properly. A whole day. Just for you."
"Tomorrow?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes," he said, voice steady. "No big party, no fuss. Just us. Something simple, but for you. You deserve that."
I laughed quietly, feeling a sense of peace I hadn't felt in months.
"That… sounds perfect," I said softly.
"Good," he replied. "Sleep well tonight. Think of me, okay?"
"I will," I whispered.
That night, I laid back on my pillow, smiling to myself.
Even though it was late, even though he was busy, even though the world demanded so much from him…
He still made time. For me. For us.
And I realized, even then, that love didn't always have to be grand gestures or extravagant celebrations.
Sometimes, it was the quiet moments, the thoughtful words, the simple care… that meant the most.
💛