Time flew by like paper planes in the wind.
Now it was December — the end of the year, when people made wishes, and new things began.
Mama was in the living room when the phone rang.
She looked at the screen, smiled gently, and picked it up.
"Ah, Yui's mama," she said, her voice light and warm.
They spoke for a little while, words floating between laughter and gentle hums.
Then Mama turned to me and held the phone out.
"Hideki, Yui wants to talk to you."
My heart leapt. I grabbed the phone with both hands.
"Yuiiiiii!" I shouted, my voice full of excitement.
And from the other end—
"Hidekiii!" Yui's voice bounced with joy.
She was happy. I could hear it, feel it, see it even with my eyes closed.
"Hideki come to Yui house, right?" she asked eagerly. "Today is Yui's birthday! Yui is 4 now!"
Her voice sparkled — proud and glowing.
I nodded quickly, even though she couldn't see. "Yeah! Hideki will come with Mama and Papa!"
Yui giggled. I could almost imagine her ponytail bouncing behind her like always.
"Okay! Yui waiting for Hideki at home. See you soooon!"
"See you soon, Yui..."
Then beep — the call ended.
I held the phone for a moment longer, smiling to myself. Then I handed it back to Mama.
"Mama..." I said, tugging at her sleeve, "Hideki wants to give Yui a present."
She knelt beside me, her voice soft like a lullaby. "What do you want to give her, sweetheart?"
I put a hand to my chest and nodded with my whole heart.
"I will draw Yui... with cake and balloon. And I will sing a song. Just for her."
Mama smiled and stroked my back.
"Then go on, sweetheart. Make your gift."
I ran to my room — my heart already singing.
At my little table, I sat down. My crayons were ready.
Beside me, my Shiba Inu plushie sat just like always, quiet and smiling.
"Shiba," I whispered, "we draw for Yui today. Okay?"
He didn't answer, but I knew.
He was watching. Like he always does.
And I began.
First, I picked up the pink crayon — because Yui loves pink the most.
I drew her in the middle, her chubby cheeks round and glowing, her ponytail tied with a ribbon.
Then I drew a big birthday cupcake with strawberries on top — her favorite.
Candles danced above it like little stars.
Behind her: balloons, big and round, flying up into the sky.
I wrote "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" across the top in all colors.
I giggled quietly, imagining her smile.
Then — I added Tama-chan, curled up peacefully beside us.
And I drew myself, holding my Shiba Inu plushie.
It was all of us — together.
I held up the picture proudly.
"Shibaaa... look! Is it good?"
Shiba didn't speak.
But somehow, I knew he said yes.
Then, something bubbled inside me.
A warm little melody — like a soft breeze.
And I began to sing.
Today so happy...
Hideki come to Yui's party...
We've been friends for a long time...
Yui and Hideki — friends forever.
Hideki so happy...
Yui happy too...
Yui is the birthday girl...
This day is Yui's birthday...
I like Yui — so happy we are friends...
I walked around my room, my drawing in one hand, my voice dancing in the air.
What I didn't know...
Was that Mama and Papa were standing just behind the door.
Papa leaned in and whispered, "Look at him... He already made a new song. For Yui."
Mama nodded with a hand to her heart. "He's so cheerful... for her."
They smiled at each other, quietly — not wanting me to know.
Because sometimes... the sweetest songs are the ones we sing when we think no one's listening.
And then — the time had come.
We left for Yui's home.
In the car, I hugged my Shiba Inu plushie with one arm and held my drawing close to my chest with the other.
It was warm inside — and warmer in my heart.
We arrived at a small house, cozy and kind, with flower pots on the step.
Papa knocked gently on the door.
Knock knock.
It creaked open.
Yui's papa stood there, smiling wide.
"Ah, welcome!"
He shook Papa's hand and talked a little — their voices friendly.
Mama bowed her head gently and smiled.
I stood quietly between them... but my heart wasn't quiet.
It was bouncing.
Because...
I saw her.
Yui.
She was standing in the hallway — in a pink dress that puffed like a cloud.
Her hair was tied in her favorite ponytail, and today, she had a sparkly ribbon in it.
Her mama stood beside her, smiling proudly.
But I didn't see anything else.
Only Yui.
Our eyes met — and her smile exploded like fireworks.
"Hidekiiii!!" she shouted.
She ran to me, her dress fluttering behind her.
I shouted back. "Yuiii!!"
We met halfway and held each other's hands, locking fingers like always.
Then we jumped up and down, giggling and spinning, just like the first time.
Yui twirled in her dress, her ribbon shining.
"Hideki!" she asked, her eyes sparkling, "Yui look pretty??"
I blinked, stunned. My mouth couldn't speak.
I just nodded. Fast. Again and again.
She was beautiful.
She smiled even brighter, cheeks blooming like strawberries.
Then I knelt carefully and opened my little bag.
Inside: the drawing, wrapped gently with ribbon.
I looked up at her.
"Yui... I made this for you."
She gasped softly and reached for it with both hands.
"I drawed us," I said proudly. "With balloons. And Tama too."
She untied the ribbon slowly, like opening a treasure.
When she saw the drawing, her eyes grew wide.
It was all there.
Her, in her pink dress and crown.
Me, holding Shiba.
Tama-chan in the middle, smiling in her sleepy way.
And colors everywhere — cupcakes, hearts, balloons, and music notes in the sky.
Yui clutched it to her chest.
"You drew me so perfect..."
She looked up, her voice smaller.
"I look like how I feel today."
Then — without a word — she hugged me tightly.
Her voice was warm in my ear.
"Best birthday already..."
Behind her, her mama and papa watched silently — full of pride and love.
From the steps, Mama gave me a small nod.
Well done, Hideki.