Love Worth a Thousand Memories (Spring Bliss)

“Happy birthday to you… happy birthday to you…”

The soft, lilting melody of children’s voices filled the room, their faces lit by the flickering glow of a single candle. At the center of it all stood Limstella Andrienne, her eyes wide with excitement as she watched the tiny flame atop her birthday cake. She was seven today, surrounded by her friends—Jayde, Ren, Rex, and other children of their age whose families shared deep ties with her own.

“…Happy birthday, dear Stella… happy birthday to you.”

As the final note faded, Stella leaned forward, closed her eyes tightly, and blew out the candle. The room erupted into applause, her friends cheering as she opened her eyes with a wide, toothy smile.

Jayde was the first to press a gift into her hands, a large, carefully wrapped box that seemed almost too big for her to carry. “Annie! Here’s my present. Open it!” she exclaimed, her face alight with anticipation.

Stella opened the box, revealing a soft white teddy bear, adorned with a pink ribbon neatly tied around its neck. Her eyes sparkled as she pulled it from the box, hugging it tightly.

“Thank you, Jaydie! I love it!” she exclaimed, giving her friend a warm embrace. “I’ll take care of her, I promise.”

Moments later, Ren and Rex stepped forward, each carrying a small package wrapped in shiny paper. “Happy birthday, Ella,” Ren said with a shy grin, his gaze meeting hers as he handed her the gift. “This one’s from both of us.”

Stella’s fingers worked quickly to unwrap the package, revealing a delicate music box adorned with small, shimmering stones. She opened it carefully, and the soft, familiar melody of a song the twins had composed together began to play. Her face lit up with joy, and she threw her arms around both boys, pulling them close.

“Thank you, Ren, Rich. I’ll treasure this forever!” she whispered, her voice brimming with happiness

The two boys grinned back, returning her embrace before pulling apart to bump their fists in celebration. Around them, the room buzzed with laughter and warmth, their friends and family beaming at the sight of the children’s innocent delight.

None of them understood yet what this night would cost.

The fire would be remembered as an ending—because that was the only version anyone was ever allowed to keep.

***

A girl around the age of eight was playing alone in the park. Other kids don't want to play with her. Unlike them, she's too quiet and doesn't speak. Not that she's mute, but she prefers not to talk. She's on a sandbox, building a sand castle. She was engrossed in her own little world, ignoring the laughter and giggles of other kids.

A woman in her mid-twenties approached her. “Selena, anak?” She called. The little girl stopped playing and looked at the latter. The woman extended her arms. “'Lika na. Uwi na tayo.” The girl stood up, grabbed her teddy bear and took her mom's hand.

As they were walking home, the woman gave the girl some words of wisdom. “Darating ang araw, mag-iiba ang lahat sa buhay mo. May mga malalaman ka na magpapabago sa kung ano man makakasanayan mo. Pero anak, kahit na anong mangyari, dapat manatiling nakatapak sa lupa ang mga paa mo.” She told her. “Higit sa lahat,” She halted and crouched to level the girl's height. “... hindi dapat magbago ang laman nito.” She continued, as she pointed her index to the girl's right chest. The little girl looked intently to her mom, trying her best to understand what she was told. The woman smiled at her, took her hand and walked again.

Those words retained on Selena's head. As she grew up, she began to understand what her mom meant by those, but not really realizing the importance of those to her. Little did she know that those were not simple words of wisdom, but something that reveals everything in her life.