Jossy couldn't contain her excitement and rushed forward, throwing her arms around Noah and Hazel in a tight hug. "I missed you both so much!" she whispered, burying her face in Hazel's shoulder before turning to Noah. They pulled back slightly, smiling warmly, and each handed her a small, carefully wrapped gift. "Happy Birthday, Jossy," Hazel said softly, her eyes shining. "You deserve all the happiness today."
Noah nodded, then he spoke. "Happy Birthday, Jossy. May this year bring you everything you've been waiting for."
Jossy immediately unwrapped the gifts. Hazel gave her a delicate silver bracelet with a small charm shaped like a horse, a nod to the Alpine countryside she had grown to love again. Jossy's eyes lit up as she unclasped it and slid it onto her wrist.
Noah gave her a leather-bound journal with her initials on the cover. "For your thoughts, your dreams, and everything you want to capture," he said quietly. Jossy opened it, flipping through the blank pages, already imagining the entries she will write..her new life, her hopes, and perhaps a little bit of her heart.
Jossy's heart swelled. Memories of her last birthday, spent mostly alone, came rushing back. The contrast was big and she couldn't help but smile, feeling truly seen and celebrated by the people who mattered most.