Silence

{6.2} Enhanced

{Aspen's POV}

Birthday celebrations had always been a big deal to my mother. 

Each year on my birthday she would wake me up in a special way like with breakfast in bed or blowing an air horn in my ear.

Lets just say the year with the air horn was only done once after I didn't talk to her for nearly the whole day.

Anyways, I've only had one birthday since she passed and it was the worst day of my life. I woke to a fresh beating and got to enjoy what felt like a broken leg all day and deal with some nice cuts. There was no celebration, no party, no gifts. It was simply a day of mourning because there was nothing to be celebrated that day. 

I don't know what to expect here. I don't know what they do for birthdays. I guess I get the gift of visiting Edith later but I don't know if they'll have anything else planned.

My mother actually had this day planned.

My 16th birthday was a big deal to her, the whole sweet 16 and everything.

We were going to go out for breakfast to get pancakes at one of my favorite restaurants. After that, we were going to go to cooking classes and act clueless. Then, when it would be time for a final exam or whatever, we would make something amazing and blow everyone away. I always thought it was silly but my mother was insistent on it. She said she wanted me to feel like the most important and talented person on that day.

We were going to end the day by baking and eating a whole cake together.

Her being dead and all really throws a wrench into those plans.

After looking at my cracked phone, I decide I should probably get up. I've stayed in bed longer than usual today, especially since I've been eating downstairs almost every mealtime now. Things obviously aren't perfect, but we're all putting effort in to being civil.

I reluctantly get out of bed and go to my closet to change. After finding a suitable birthday outfit, which is a classic loose t-shirt tucked into mom jeans, I leave my room.

I make my way downstairs which is eerily quiet. I make my way to the dining room, finding myself quite hungry. When I walk in, I pause.

The room is empty, but there is a single stack of pancakes with a piece of paper next to it.

I walk in carefully, Preparing myself for any possible jump scares. I pick up the paper and unfold it.

Hey As,

Big ass emergency at work, we should be around by the time you're up, but in case we're not, enjoy some pancakes! We'll be there soon.
Don't worry, your plans with Edith are still green for go. See you in a bit.

Kohen

Ah. 

I feel a little disappointed, not going to lie. 

But it's okay.

I sit down at the table and start to eat my pancakes. 

I would say I'm alone, but Quest nudging my side for a bite reminds me I have my bestest boy right by me. I give him a little bite of pancake and continue to finish the stack.