Gemi was a stray dog, a small, scruffy creature who lived a solitary life on the streets. He’d seen many birthdays come and go, each one a reminder of his lonely existence. But today was different. Today was Gemi’s birthday.
As the sun rose, Gemi wandered the streets, his tail wagging listlessly. He’d hoped for a miracle, a kind soul who might notice him and offer a friendly word or a tasty treat. But as the day wore on, it seemed his hopes were in vain.
Just as Gemi was beginning to lose hope, he heard a familiar sound: a child’s laughter. Looking up, he saw a young girl running towards him, a bright pink balloon in hand. “Happy birthday, little guy!” she exclaimed, kneeling down to pet him.
Gemi’s heart leaped with joy. He’d never been wished a happy birthday before. He wagged his tail furiously, his eyes sparkling with excitement. The girl pulled out a small, wrapped gift from her pocket and handed it to him.
With trembling paws, Gemi unwrapped the gift. Inside was a brand-new toy, a squeaky rubber bone. He picked it up and shook it, his tail wagging even harder. The girl watched him with a smile. “I hope you like it,” she said. “Happy birthday again.”
As the girl walked away, Gemi watched her until she was out of sight. He then turned his attention to his new toy. It was the best birthday present he’d ever received. From that day forward, Gemi knew that even though he was a stray, he wasn’t alone. He had a friend, and that was all he needed.
