The birthday cake

I remember this day last year, my birthday coincided with a charity event at the Provincial Cancer Hospital. As usual, I and the volunteer group planned to distribute meals and drinks to the patients there. A birthday cake had been ordered in Nha Trang, waiting for me to bring it back to Ninh Hoa to celebrate with my family. However, an unexpected event turned that day into a profound memory, one that I and everyone else will never forget.

While the group was distributing meals to patients at the security guard's booth near the hospital gate, a young girl suddenly burst into tears near where a birthday cake was temporarily placed. Seeing her timid demeanor and red eyes, he approached to inquire. At first, the girl was shy, but then, choking back tears, she explained, "Today is my father's birthday. This might be his last birthday, but my family can't afford to buy him a birthday cake."

That statement left not only him but the entire volunteer group speechless. The girl's eyes shone with helplessness and sorrow, yet also held boundless love for her father. He looked at his cake, and an idea suddenly struck him. Without hesitation, he turned to the volunteer group and said, "Let's use this cake to celebrate the little girl's father's birthday." Hearing this, some members wondered, "But the cake says 'Happy Birthday, Dad Ban.' Isn't that strange?" He smiled, half-jokingly, half-seriously, "Just remove the word 'Ban,' and it'll be fine. Everyone will understand. The important thing is the meaning!"

After finishing distributing meals and water to the patients, the volunteer group and the girl went up to her father's room. On the way, something unexpected happened. When the elevator stopped on the second floor, a Grab driver suddenly stepped in, carrying another birthday cake. A member of the group happily exclaimed, "I just called to order this cake! You brought it up just in time!"

Upon entering the hospital room, the entire group and the girl were overcome with emotion. The frail father, lying exhausted, suddenly had a radiant look in his eyes as he gazed at the cake with unconcealed joy. The freshly brought cake was placed beside him, and the group decided to hold a small birthday party right in the room. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday to You," and the atmosphere in the room brightened with happiness. The father, with tears in his eyes, clasped his daughter's hand tightly, as if to thank her for her filial devotion. The girl smiled through her tears, her eyes shining with emotion and gratitude for the volunteer group.

That birthday cake was more than just a material gift; it was a symbol of love, sharing, and compassion. For the girl and her father, it was the most meaningful gift during those difficult times. And for him, it was a birthday without candles or a party, but one that was complete and memorable...

NGUYEN THANH TAM

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/van-hoa/sang-tac/202501/chiec-banh-sinh-nhat-54e02e4/