The Up & Coming Magazine

Image Credit: Unsplash- Obie Fernandez

Mia’s twenty-first birthday was coming up, and all she wanted was a quiet karaoke night at home with her closest friends. Her best friends—Lillian, Blaire, Norah—and her boyfriend, Teddy, loved the idea and were excited to celebrate with her. She planned to order pizza from her favorite spot, Sal’s Pizza, and pick up an ice cream cake from Scoops on Main. Sal’s, just around the corner from her house, was known for having the best pepperoni and cheese pizza in town, and Mia knew it would still be hot by the time it arrived.

Mia didn’t know that her friends were secretly planning something different. Lillian, Blaire, and Norah had decided to take her to the local karaoke bar, hoping she’d want to try her first alcoholic drink. But they seemed to have forgotten why Mia had chosen to stay in—she was introverted and uncomfortable in big crowds, especially around strangers.

When it’s your birthday, you just want the day to unfold the way you imagined it. But sometimes, it doesn’t—and for Mia, that’s exactly what happened.

November 17th arrived, and Mia’s birthday was finally here. She, Teddy, and her friends were all excited for the night ahead.

Teddy was the first to show up. When Mia opened the door, he was standing there with a grin and a bouquet of pink roses. “Happy birthday, Mia. These are for you,” he said. She smiled, kissed him, and replied, “Thank you. I just hope tonight goes how I want it to—and that Lillian, Blaire, and Norah don’t try to pull anything unexpected.” Teddy shrugged. “I’m sure it’ll be a night to remember. I love you.” “I love you, too,” Mia said, and the two of them headed into the living room to wait for the others.

Soon, Lillian, Blaire, and Norah arrived, carrying the pizza and a vanilla ice cream cake. The group ate, laughed, and sang a few songs in Mia’s living room. But after cake, the mood shifted. “Come on,” Lillian said with a sly smile. “We’ve got one more surprise for you.” Before Mia could protest, they were ushering her into the car.

It wasn’t long before they pulled up in front of the local karaoke bar. Mia’s heart sank. Teddy held the door open as the final notes of “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson blasted from inside. Mia stood frozen.

This wasn’t the birthday she’d asked for. All she’d wanted was to feel safe and seen—at home, surrounded by people who truly understood her. Instead, she felt like no one had really listened.

Mia began to cry as she and Teddy walked out of the bar and back to the car. Through her tears, she said, “Let’s just go home, Teddy. I just wanted my birthday to go perfectly, but at least I still have the perfect boyfriend. Without you, I don’t know what I would do.”

Teddy gently wiped the tears from her cheeks using the corner of his blue sweatshirt. “I’m so sorry this happened to you, Mia,” he said. “We can just go back to my house and have a quiet evening like we always do. I know that’s something that will make you feel a bit better. Sometimes all we need is time spent together.”

Sniffling, Mia nodded. “Thank you, Teddy. I think a quiet night at home is all I want at this point. I’m just happy I have you to spend it with.”

“That’s what I’m here for, Mia,” he replied softly. “I’m always going to love you, no matter what.”

Mia smiled, and the two of them headed back to his place. While they didn’t sing karaoke the way she had hoped, they curled up together and watched her favorite movie, The Perfect Man. Sometimes, after a rough night, all you need are warm cuddles and a quiet evening—and for Mia, that was exactly what she needed.

Teddy rested his chin on top of her head, and Mia closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself breathe. “You make everything better,” she whispered.

Teddy smiled and kissed her temple. “That’s all I ever want to do.”

And for the first time all night, Mia felt as though everything was exactly as it should be.

This was written by our founder and editor-in-chief, Hanna Peters.