At an apartment in the University of Iban, located in Iban State — another state in Alaschal — Alex's mother whose name is Grace hung up the phone and turned to her husband, Dean, who had been quietly listening from his seat.
"You forgot to tell them about the house packing," Dean said, adjusting his glasses.
Grace sighed, brushing her hand through her hair. "Oh, I actually forgot. Hmm… when I call again, I'll tell them. Or maybe you should — you know they'll take you more seriously."
Dean chuckled. "We'll see about that."
~~~
After a short rest, Clara and Alex locked up the canteen and began their walk home. The evening breeze brushed lightly against their faces as they strolled down the quiet street.
"Alex, what do you want for your birthday tomorrow?" Clara asked, trying to sound casual though she was already smiling to herself — thinking of the surprise party she and Tom had planned with Mia's help.
"I can't say, big sis," Alex replied with a lazy smile. "Whatever you give me will definitely be the best. I trust your taste."
"Hmm, you trust me too much," Clara teased. "But since you do, I won't let you down. I already have something special in mind."
Alex chuckled. "I'm sure you do."
When they got home, Alex headed straight to the bathroom for a soothing hot bath before joining Clara and Tom for dinner. After washing the dishes, she stretched and yawned.
"Big sis, I think I'll retire early tonight," Alex said softly.
"Good night. And don't stay up too late," Clara replied, giving her a knowing look — the kind that said I know you've been sleeping late again.
Alex smiled sheepishly. "Yes, but you know I need to practice. The test is almost here."
She went into her room and sat at her sewing desk. "I have to do well for this test," she muttered under her breath. Tuning in her favorite radio station, she began stitching the outfit she had designed for herself. The soft hum of the machine mixed with the music as time slipped by.
When she finally looked at the clock, it was already 11 p.m. She sighed, cleaned up her workspace, and crawled into bed.
~~~
The next morning came faster than she wanted. Alex woke up, did her chores, and got ready for the fashion house. But something felt off — her sister was acting like today was just another day.
Earlier that morning, she had walked into the kitchen cheerfully.
"Good morning, big sis! How are you? How was your night?"
"Morning," Clara replied with a smile, flipping toast and pouring hot chocolate into mugs. "I'm fine, and I slept well. Breakfast is almost ready."
"That's great," Alex said, scrubbing the floor as Clara set the table.
When Tom joined them, he grinned. "Happy birthday, Alex! You're officially an adult now — welcome to the real world!"
"Thank you," Alex said, smiling shyly as she took a bite of toast. Then she looked toward Clara, expecting her sister to say something… anything. But Clara acted as if she hadn't heard a thing.
Alex blinked in disbelief. Her chest tightened a little. Clara had never forgotten her birthday before. She quietly finished her food and left early for the fashion house without waiting for her sister.
~~~
"Hmm," Alex snorted as she walked down the road, still fuming. "I'm not talking to her. Not today — maybe not even tomorrow."
Fueled by frustration, she reached the fashion house earlier than even the cleaning staff. She helped arrange the chairs and organize the tables just to keep busy.
When Mia arrived and saw her sitting alone, she immediately waved.
"Hey, birthday girl!" Mia said cheerfully. "Why the gloomy face? Don't tell me someone made you angry on your birthday."
Alex sighed dramatically. "Can you believe my sister didn't even wish me happy birthday? Not a word!" Her voice cracked slightly as she sniffled.
Mia gasped, pretending to be shocked — though inside she was trying not to smile. "What?! How could she? Don't worry, after class we're going for a proper girls' date, okay?"
Alex managed a smile. "Alright."
~~~
When Mrs. Thomas entered the class, everyone went silent.
"You'll all be starting your tests tomorrow," she announced. "So I wish you the best of luck. Remember — practice makes perfection."
After six long hours, class ended early — at 1 p.m. instead of the usual 4. Mia dragged Alex all over the shopping mall for two hours, buying small snacks and accessories until their wallets were empty.
"Mia, would you like to come home with me? I can tell my sister to inform your mum you'll be staying late," Alex offered, making a playful puppy face.
Mia grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that."
~~~
When they finally reached the house, it was unusually quiet. The door was unlocked, but the lights were off.
"That's strange," Alex muttered. "Maybe they went out."
She flipped the light switch — and suddenly,
"SURPRISE!"
Confetti flew through the air as Clara, Tom, Mama Tamadu, and her kids all jumped out, laughing. Mia burst into song behind her, starting the Happy Birthday tune that everyone joined in on.
Alex froze for a moment, then laughed through tears as she looked at her sister, who was holding a beautiful cake.
"Make a wish, mama," Clara said warmly, pushing the cake toward her.
Alex closed her eyes, a single tear slipping down her cheek — this time, from joy.