Miko didn’t know when his birthday was. Days were a blur of hunger, thirst, and the relentless search for scraps. But today felt different. A pang of hope, a flicker of expectation, stirred within him. It was a foolish hope, he knew, a trick of his starving mind. Yet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something extraordinary was about to happen.
He spent the morning wandering the streets, his ribs aching with hunger. His gaze was fixed on every house, every passing car, hoping for a glimpse of a kind soul. He’d learned to read human faces, to discern the flicker of compassion. It was a cruel game, a gamble with survival.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows that seemed to mimic his own despair, Miko found himself in front of a small, cozy house. The warm glow from within was inviting, a stark contrast to the cold world outside. He sat down, his tail tucked between his legs, and waited.
The door creaked open, and a young girl, no older than ten, appeared. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Miko. For a moment, they held a flicker of fear, but it was quickly replaced by a gentle curiosity. She held out a bowl of rice, a small, insignificant gesture in the grand scheme of things, but to Miko, it was a feast.
As he devoured the rice, his tail began to wag. It was a feeble attempt at expressing gratitude, a silent thank you for the kindness bestowed upon him. For that brief moment, as he felt the warmth of the rice filling his empty stomach, Miko forgot about the harsh realities of his life. It was a fleeting moment of happiness, a birthday gift from a stranger.
