The Girl Who Never Celebrated Her Birthday

By Kruti Patel

Rinfu stared at the sun. Her birthday was coming soon. Very soon. She looked at her watch as well. It was 11:58. She was allowed to stay up until 12:00 every birthday to see when she turned the next official age. It was something to make up for since they never celebrated birthdays. Ever.

They could celebrate other people’s birthdays except for the people in their family. It was just a tradition that the family had. Rinfu understood that it was tradition. However, having to deal with it every year was hard for her, especially since she was turning 13.

13 was the special year that she felt in which she would actually grow up! She would almost be in high school, and she could even have her own phone. Plus, she could walk to a place far away by herself and even stay home alone. And those were only SOME perks of being 13.

Rinfu became a bit sad, because at that moment, she turned 13.

At 6:00 a.m., she woke up, tired and melancholy. No birthday to celebrate, and no cake. There were pancakes at least, but they had pancakes every Monday, so it wasn’t as special.

Mom gave Rinfu breakfast. Dad wasn’t home since he went to work, and it was even more upsetting he wasn’t there to see his daughter turn thirteen and become a teen. After Rinfu finished, she went into her bus and sat next to her friend, Kaiya. 

Kaiya was a shy and thoughtful girl. She was never really that rude to anyone. Kaiya could become ballistic, though, if someone really was annoying her. She was often angry at her brothers for irritating her.

Kaiya could tell something was wrong with Rinfu, since Rinfu looked extra sad. Kaiya said, “Is everything alright?” Rinfu replied, “No. It’s my 13th birthday, and I don’t have any party!” “But I thought you never have a party,” Kaiya pointed out.

“But this one is special. It shows that I am officially a teen. And that makes me feel special.”

“Hmm…”

At that moment, Kaiya had a plan. She was going to plan a party in 6 hours for her friend, because that’s what friends do.

Kaiya and Rinfu sat and learned in science class. They also dissected frog organs. Wow, what a fun way to spend a birthday.

Next, in ELA, Rinfu’s teacher said it was Rinfu’s birthday and that everyone should wish her a happy birthday. At least someone noticed, Rinfu thought.

Then, gym, lunch, band, and math came and went. Little did she know that during those subjects, Kaiya was planning that party. By the end of math class, almost everyone in 7th grade knew about the party. 

After school, Kaiya started sending out invitations to come to her house for Rinfu’s party. Kaiya asked for Rinfu to come to her house, and she agreed. When Rinfu went inside, she was surprised to see a birthday party awaiting. She asked if everyone really did this for her, and they said yes.

“It was all my idea,” Kaiya said. “I decided to give you a great birthday party!” “How did you do all of this?” Rinfu asked. “I started preparations yesterday. I remembered you said you wished you had a thirteenth birthday party, so here we are!” Kaiya explained. “Thanks so much, Kaiya! You’re the best friend a girl could ask for!” Rinfu exclaimed.

Rinfu, Kaiya, and all of the other guests partied on until 8:00 p.m. Rinfu said goodbye to everyone and thanked them again for this wonderful day. 

Rinfu never told her parents about this, of course. She didn’t want to tell them the truth that she broke family tradition. So she hid it.

Rinfu still remembered this party many years later, at the age of 40 years old. She decided to keep this tradition, though, with her children and hope that one friend might have a party for them.

Written by Kruti Patel