Archive of Our Own ^beta

When you live inside the walls you forget about how quickly time passes. How old you are. How long you’ve been back here. How long ago you left your family. But there was one day that always caught him up to time. Their birthday. 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

A loud cheer startled him, making him drop his book on his lap. Happy birthday? Who’s birthday was it? Maybe little Antonio’s!

Bruno hurried over to the small table with the carved plate and looked through the crack. What he saw made him freeze. A wonky decorated cake with several lights on them stood in front of Pepa and Julieta, who were wearing big smiles on their faces. 

It was their birthday. They were celebrating as if they had completely forgotten him. As if it wasn’t his birthday too. And it wasn’t just another birthday, it was their 50th.

They're singing, "Happy birthday". He just wants to lay down and cry.

Bruno watches as his sisters blow out the candles together. He knew that if he were there he would be squished between them, blowing out the candles and wishing for another okay year.

They're singing, "Happy birthday". He just wished he had just ran away instead of staying inside the walls. Who cares about a birthday anyways? But, 50 years old… Can’t he be optimistic? He had survived 10 years on scraps! 

Bruno sees the kids, his nieces and nephews bring in the presents. Pepa and Julieta share smiles as they open them at the same time, a big rainbow blaring over their heads. What could he do to just be there with them? He didn’t even need a gift, just to be with them.

They're singing, "Happy birthday". He just wishes it all was a dream, even if it feels much more like doomsday.

Bruno looks down into his hands. The world is falling. Why didn’t he stay longer with them?

But hey, what could he do about it?

At least it only happens once per year.

“Don't freak out, don't strike out” Bruno whispers to himself. He can't fight the tears in his eyes. But at least he’s not alone, his friends, the rats, were there too.