In a small, cozy home on the edge of town lived a golden retriever named Toby. Toby was known for his cheerful spirit—always wagging his tail, running around the house, and making everyone laugh with his goofy antics. But today was different. Today was Toby’s birthday.
Toby woke up with excitement in his heart, expecting the day to be special, just like his previous birthdays. Every year, his owners would give him treats, sing him a little song, and make sure he got extra belly rubs. Toby loved the attention, the affection, and most importantly, knowing that he was loved.
But this year… something was off.
The sun shone brightly through the curtains, but the house remained quiet. No one greeted him. No one even looked in his direction. Toby waited by the bedroom door, hoping his humans would remember, but they were busy on their phones and rushing to leave the house. With every passing minute, Toby’s tail wagged slower and slower until it drooped between his legs.
By the time the clock reached noon, Toby gave up waiting at the door and curled up by the window. Outside, children laughed and ran around, while inside, Toby sat alone. His eyes drooped with sadness, and his heart felt heavy. He wondered if they had forgotten… or if maybe, just maybe, they didn’t love him as much anymore.
He spent the afternoon staring at the clock, the minutes dragging on painfully. He lay on his bed, placing his chin on his paws, sighing deeply. As the hours passed, Toby hoped for even the smallest gesture—a pat on the head, a whispered wish. But none came.
The loneliness in his heart grew heavier. He rested his head on his paw, staring blankly out the window. It felt as if his birthday didn’t matter at all. The thought of being forgotten on the one day he had eagerly waited for made his eyes droop in sorrow.
Evening came, and Toby still hadn’t received a single hug or word of acknowledgment. His humans were now back, but they were preoccupied with chores and conversations, oblivious to the quiet, sad dog sitting in the corner. Toby curled tighter into himself, wishing for just one moment of recognition—a birthday wish that would remind him that he still mattered.
In the dim light of the room, Toby rested his head on a paw, his sad eyes reflecting the silence around him. And then, as if to comfort himself, he gave a quiet whimper and closed his eyes. Maybe next year, he thought, things would be different.
He drifted off to sleep with the hope that, even though no one remembered today, someone—anyone—would remember tomorrow. For now, Toby’s birthday had ended, wrapped in silence and loneliness.
But deep down, his loyal heart kept beating with the hope that love was still there, waiting for a brighter day.
