I turned six, and it was my birthday.
Back in my old life, birthday celebration were a norm, normally, most families would be excited that it's their birthday. Ever since l was reborn, l never felt any celebration as l was growing up till now, technically, birthdays were celebrated at different stages. From birth ( there never was a birthday for me) it's celebrated, going to six, twelve, eighteen, and so on. That's how this world's people celebrated, it was a custom because it represented one becoming a man.
Anyway, today was the day. It wasn't your typical training day or normal day, today meant something special not only for me but our entire family, technically.
It was still a long time since father had disappeared without a trace, mother was getting worried and having sleepless nights. It was strange he disappeared for this long without informing his family, it wasn't like him to act like that. I didn't know much about father, he was a nonchalant dude that didn't speak much, also mysterious. He wouldn't let me go near him at times, especially when he entered his work room.
Overall, father. You better come back, atleast send a message, l'm aware this world don't use cellphones to send messages but sending letters were possibly, that's unless he actually did send but delivery is slow. But, this world's message transfer wasn't occasionally done by sending letters, you could use 'divine transfer' to immediately send something from one place to another, that's if the area around has a crystalline transfer.
That's too much of information. Then again, l so wish father says something, he's missing my birthday.
****
The house was packed, ranging from mother all the way to Ken. Iris and Blake were also invited. They became family, arriving as strangers and staying as family. The house was beautifully decorated with flowers, and paint, we even had music playing.
Mother and Iris were at the kitchen preparing the food, Ken was setting up the table, while Blake took care of handling other decorations. Everything was looking spectacular, l even wore a brand new clothes mother recently bought.
Everything was ready, everyone sat down in the table, fixing their gaze at each other with a smile. Mother stood up, tapping a spoon against a plate getting our attention, we turned to her as she recited a speech.
"Today is a special day. A day l won't forget. It's something special that even my words can't describe, seeing how my son, Arthur, growing up so fast brings me tears. He may not understand it right now but, l'm blessed to have a son like you." She stated, tearing up as she set her gaze at me.
"I'm grateful for everything you've given me, despite the struggles, you always manage to bring a smile on my face. If it hadn't been for you, who knows where my life would've ended up in, without you, would l have managed to forgive myself for the horrible stuff l've cast on others. Thank you, not only for your hardwork and determination, but for being my mother." I replied, letting out a drop of tears and rushing to hug mother.
Wow. It was my first time feeling grateful for something, my years that were filled with an empty void, l couldn't think straight or even think my life will turn around someday. Because of this reincarnation, l'm able to do what l failed to do, change who l am and appreciate my surroundings. These were real tears l was pouring out, not a mask to disguise fake emotions, it was something only Ethan Carter would have done. I'm enjoying this life.
"Only if your father was here, then... the family would be complete... I..I.. I can't stop thinking where he went off too, sorry Arthur." Mother lamented.
It was crystal clear that his disappearance had a bigger effect than I'd expected, just look how she's sobbing uncontrollably, she feels betrayed, and shattered deep inside. I couldn't say anything after that, all l could muster out were, "it's going to be alright, everything will be fine." I added. That was all l could say, l didn't know words to add that might comfort her, l feel miserable now.
I went back to my seat, still sobbing as l peeked Iris in the corner of my eyes giggling like it was a comedy scene. I ignored her, and begun eating with everyone else. The food was delicious, mother must've gone all out preparing it specifically for this day, as usual, she never misses when making something delicious. I gotta learn some skills on cooking, it will be something efficient l might need one day. She even kept showering me with more stuff on my plate, l was beginning to get full, Ken even added a big piece of meat saying, "a man's delight." The nerve, Blake was acting his usual self being all nervous. Then Iris was just Iris, chunking down a large amount of food.
"Okay! Time for the presents!" Iris barked, hitting the table with her bare hands.
"Enough Iris, now then. Blake, you can go first." Ken commanded.
"A-alright. Here, your present."
"Thank you!"
I remembered, plastic warped presents were probably not a thing in this world, which meant everything being revealing as given to you. Talk about cliffhanger. I received the present Blake handed to me, it was a leather bag, small, but well designed. I said my thanks setting it aside. Iris arrived and handed me something warped in plants, oh-ho, what did she put inside now?
"Thank you, Iris."
"Hehehe! No problem... Hehehe!"
Can't be that bad, right?
Yeah right, when l unwrapped everything, hoping for something great only to see a bunch of insects crawling about. I knew it was going to be a prank, l didn't flinch after the reveal, she kept giggling so loud my ear drums hurt, l didn't want to hurt her feelings so l pretended to fall for the bait. And yeah, the laughing only kept getting worse that it got to me. But l chose inner peace, her laughing just wouldn't stop.
"Hoho. My turn darling, l got you something you'd find useful, it took two years to craft this."
Mother revealed the elephant in the room, she pulled out a sword from a bag, and slowly handed it towards me. I was speechless, do my eyes desire me? I took the sword without a moment thought, it was light and long. Quite sharp at the edges, and a beautiful red and black handle design. It was tugged on a wooden sheath. "A real sword... wait, are you really giving me a sword?" I continued, "l didn't say it's too much, but, l'm surprised you of all people got me an actual sword." Yes, it was a serious case that needed answers, she was the type always trying to avoid dangerous weapons near me, and she brings something even more dangerous, kinda fishy.
"Well,. let's just say a mother knows what her kid wants. You're growing to a warrior,. strong and healthy, so l rewarded something worth your hard work." She replied calmly.
"I see, thank you. I'll treasure it forever."
"No problem darling!"
Now then, who didn't l receive a present from?
"Here you go. It's not much, but, it's an award from your training with me and your birthday."
A necklace? I glanced at the item, nodding in approval. A present is a present, one's gotta be grateful for what they have. The necklace had a small gem attached to it, crimson colour, and an eye symbol. The design was top tier not gonna lie. Ken slowly put on the necklace on my neck, he was smiling and begun tapping my shoulders weakly. I could tell he was masking his expression, his voice was cracking. Clenching his fist, he mutters, "happy birthday, young warrior." He concluded walking back to his seat and glanced away.
"Thank you, big brother!"
"There's no reason to call me that, Master sounds appropriate."
"I don't care what's appropriate or not, my mouth, my rules. Okay, big brother?"
"Ha! There is no changing your mind, is there?"