A new member of the family

The air in their apartment buzzed with an electric anticipation, a hum that Zoid felt in their very bones. Luke had been acting strangely all week, a furtive excitement dancing in his emerald eyes, a secrecy that sent Zoid’s imagination into overdrive. Birthdays had always been a delicate dance for Zoid. They loved the sentiment, the idea of being celebrated, but the pressure to be *seen*, to be the person everyone expected, often felt like a heavy cloak. Luke, however, always managed to cut through the noise, finding ways to make Zoid feel truly *themselves*. This year felt different, though. Luke’s secretive smiles and hushed phone calls hinted at something more significant than a surprise party or a thoughtful gift. He’d even managed to get Zoid out of the apartment for an entire afternoon, orchestrating a “distraction” with their friends that involved a ridiculously elaborate scavenger hunt across the city.

When Zoid finally returned, the apartment was bathed in the soft glow of twilight, candles flickering on the coffee table, casting dancing shadows on the walls. The scent of Zoid’s favorite Thai takeout hung invitingly in the air. Luke was waiting, his blond hair catching the candlelight, his smile wider than usual. He held a small, wrapped box.

“Happy birthday, Zoid,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that always sent a shiver down Zoid’s spine.