34. A breakthrough.

It was already lunchtime when August woke up. His eyes slowly opened and he stared glassy-eyed at the ceiling.

" I hate birthday . And this one was the worst. "

He slowly started to get up. O headed for the exit and watched with sleepy eyes as everyone else worked. They also noticed him.

--- August !

The very first person to be near him was Pearl. There was tension in her eyes, and a small pinch of fear.

--- Are you okay?

--- Yes. What time is it now ?

--- It was already lunchtime.

--- Lunch ?!

--- Yes. Apparently, because you haven't slept for a long time, you needed to get some sleep.

The others also quickly approached him.

--- August, are you okay ? You gave us all a big fright last night.

--- Normal. You gave me quite a fright yesterday. What was that?

--- Well, we found out about your birthday and decided to celebrate. Stephen suggested a surprise party.

--- But who knew you'd faint.

--- Okay, let's get this over with. We need to continue working.

--- No. Today is the day off.

Garnet walked slowly toward them, carrying a tray. And we knew what was under it.

--- We need to celebrate.

--- I don't want..

--- Need. You have to get over it.

--- I don't need it. I haven't celebrated it for 16 years, nothing will happen if I miss another one.

--- August.

Garnet put a hand on his shoulder.

--- You said you started living here with a clean slate. And if you're a blank slate, then there's no past. It will be your first birthday in your new life. You have to celebrate it.

--- .....good. But I'm not making any promises.

--- Your consent is enough. Let's go to the festive table.

They walked around the barn and there was a table waiting for them. It was filled with all sorts of delicious food. Fried, boiled salads, sweet, everything was there.

--- I have one question.

--- Yes ?

--- How long has this food been here?

--- Since yesterday. We decided to leave it like this and not touch anything.

--- And the food didn't go bad ?

--- Ummm

--- Clear. It seems we can only manage one cake.

They quickly removed all the food from the table and threw it into the forest. At least let the animals eat.

They sat down at the table. The tray was right in front of August. It shimmered, beckoned to him. But Augustus was insistent and did not open it.

--- Are you going to stare ? It's time to open it.

He sighed and finally lifted the lid off the tray.

There was a cake, which is logical. It was just a cake covered in white chocolate, the sides of the cake were decorated with stars and a candle in the middle of the table. A single, white candle was burning.

--- I'm 17, right ?

--- Yes. But this is your first birthday that you celebrate, so the candle is one. It's a symbol. Now blow out the candle and start all over again.

August was in no hurry. His eyes were focused on the candle, but his thoughts were far away.

--- 16 years old

Everyone fell silent and listened.

--- For 16 years, I ignored the existence of this holiday. I hate him with all my heart. I thought I wouldn't celebrate this year either, but apparently you've ruined my hope.

He tore his gaze from the candle and looked at them.

--- You broke this wheel of hate. Thanks to you, I have gained a lot. I transcended the old self and was reborn from its ashes. It's all thanks to you.

A smile spread across his face

--- You helped me forget the past and create a new life. You have given me hope, faith, friendship, love, and strength. It is thanks to you that I exist today. Thanks.

He blew out the candle and thus he finally came 17 years old. Congratulations to him.

He looked up again, and when he saw what was happening, his eyes widened.

All the gems were crying. They sobbed out loud, even Peridot, and tried to wipe away the tears. Even Garnet was holding back her tears, Pearl was pouring out a whole ocean, and Amethyst and Stephen were hugging and crying together.

--- Hey, hey ! Calm down.

His words did not reach their ears. They rose from their seats and hugged Augustus tightly. They were so strong that he could hardly breathe.

--- Let's calm down and eat the cake.

For another 5 minutes, they could not calm down, after which the distribution of the cake began. As the birthday boy, he got the biggest piece, the others got an equal share of the cake.

There was a cheerful atmosphere at the table. Everyone laughed and smiled as they ate the cake. It was the first time that August celebrated his birthday, and this time was unforgettable.

Augustus sat and looked at the others. At their smiles and listening to their laughter. Everything around him was gone, just him and them. Their smiles and laughter could light a fire that had long since died out.

August took a piece of cake, put it in his mouth, and thought with a smile.

" They're my family. This is my home. I don't need anything else. "

The connection was strengthened. The old wounds were opened but healed. And the fire rekindled in Augustus ' soul. So far, it was only a small flame, but from now on, it will turn into a raging conflagration. The main thing is to learn how to control this fire, because you can get burned.