Beautiful Year

'Realize, Cakra! You can't always get what you want! You can't force someone to like you!" barked Kinara mercilessly. Despite tears falling from her eyes, she maintained a face full of anger. 'Never degrade someone beneath you!" Kinara then released her grip on Cakra's chin and took a deep breath. 'Go to your room and think about your despicable actions! Don't expect to leave until before your father returns! Reflect on the disgraceful mistakes you've made until you truly realize how shameful your actions have been for our family!" 'You've disappointed your mother, Cakra!" Kinara yelled one last time before harshly shutting Cakra's bedroom door, causing a loud noise. Cakra remained silent, bearing every bit of anger and scolding unleashed by Kinara. His face appeared expressionless, but his eyes held deep regret. Though he didn't respond, every word from his mother pierced his heart. As the door was slammed shut, Cakra sat on the edge of his bed, staring blankly at the floor. His demeanor reflected the bitterness of his wrongdoing. A few moments later, the door opened again. A police officer entered Cakra's room. Kinara provided guidance to the officer to ensure that Cakra would be punished in a family setting, not in prison. "You're lucky, Young Man. Your mother requested the punishment to be within the family." Cakra only nodded, still expressionless. The police officer then gave some warnings and advice before leaving the room. Cakra was preoccupied with his thoughts; even the officer's words didn't register in his mind. Kinara returned to Cakra's room with a look of anger. However, this time, she spoke in a softer voice, though still filled with disappointment. "Cakra, I know you can be better than this. Quickly realize your mistakes and work on improving yourself. We are a family, and families always support each other." Cakra contemplated his wrongdoings and pondered on how he could mend his relationship with his family. He felt he had gone too far. He deeply regretted his actions. Kinara took a long breath. "Cakra, every action has consequences. What you do not only affects yourself but also those around you. Remember, we can learn and grow from our mistakes." She sat by Cakra's side, giving him a gaze filled with hope. Despite appearing angry, there was a glimmer of hope that her son would realize his mistakes. "Don't let lies haunt you. As a family, we can support you if you truly make an effort to change. But you must start by being honest with yourself." After imparting her advice, Kinara left Cakra to reflect. Cakra, remaining in the room, felt drained and empty. His gaze was vacant, drifting to the ceiling, reflecting deep regret.  *** On another front, Agatha, Jayden, Kinara, and Sarah moved cautiously as they stealthily approached Layla's room. The girl had been sound asleep for a few hours, and they tried not to make any noise. Agatha whispered to those behind her, "We have to move slowly, so Layla doesn't wake up." Jayden nodded with a faint smile. "Yes, let's make this moment a perfect surprise." Upon reaching Layla's room door, they slowly opened it. The dim light from the bedside lamp illuminated a small part of her room. "It's time for this surprise. Let's go in quietly," said Agatha, entering first. Jayden followed, then Kinara, and finally Grandma Sarah. Once inside, Layla appeared to be sleeping peacefully in her bed. Agatha and Jayden approached, carrying a cute birthday cake held by Jayden. Kinara and Sarah cautiously advanced, holding their breath, afraid of being caught. "Now?" Kinara whispered very softly. Agatha gave a thumbs-up, but before they could approach, Layla suddenly woke up. They all were startled and immediately fell silent, frozen on their feet. As it was quite dark, Layla felt a bit scared seeing several people standing a few meters away from her. "Who's there?" Agatha and Jayden hurriedly hid the cake behind their bodies. They decided to maintain the silence and leave Layla puzzled. The girl appeared sitting, hugging her blanket and her doll. Layla was visibly scared. As the time was right, Agatha smiled thinly. Shortly after, Kinara, sensing the signal from Agatha's thumbs up, promptly turned on the room light. Instantly, they saw Layla's shocked expression with wide-open eyes. "Happy birthday, Layla!" they exclaimed simultaneously with broad and sweet smiles. Jayden didn't forget to raise the cake that he had hidden behind him. Layla covered her mouth in disbelief, not expecting such a surprise. Especially when she saw Agatha there, her joy increased. Her heart raced with happiness. "Y-you did this for me?" They all chuckled softly. Then they stepped closer. Layla wanted to cry, but she held back with a smile. They began singing the birthday song together. Touched with emotion, Layla gazed at her parents and the cake held by her father, the funniest cake she had ever seen. "Thank you! I love you all!" Layla got up from her bed, stood in front of them. Agatha, Jayden, Kinara, and Sarah nodded simultaneously. "We love you too, Sweetheart!" "Blow the candle now, Layla. And don't forget to make a wish for the future," Jayden said, aligning his height with Layla's. He offered the cake to the girl. Layla looked extremely happy. With shining eyes, she nodded eagerly. Then she closed her eyes and silently whispered a few words of prayer and hope in her heart. Agatha and Jayden smiled at Layla's joyful reaction. Their closeness felt more like a real family. After Layla opened her eyes and blew out the candle, the flame refused to go out. Everyone chuckled. Layla hesitated for a moment, then tried again with all her might until the candle finally extinguished. Applause filled the room. Agatha took the cake from Jayden. Jayden smiled, impressed by Agatha's sensitivity. He then lifted Layla, gently kissing her forehead. 'May this year be a beautiful one for you, Sweetheart. Papa always loves you. Layla means everything to papa." Layla beamed with happiness. "Thank you, Dad! This is the most beautiful birthday in my life! I love you so much, Dad!" They continued the celebration by cutting the cake and sharing happiness amidst the warmth of their family. They sat together on Layla's bedroom floor, enjoying the birthday cake with cheerful laughter. "I truly didn't expect such a surprise like this! You guys apparently conspired without my knowledge," remarked Layla as she enjoyed the cake, a bit messy on her lips. Agatha chuckled with amusement. "That's our little secret. I hope this surprise made you happy, Sweetheart." "Of course!" That night, in the softly colored, not-so-spacious room, they celebrated Layla's birthday with warmth. For Layla, this moment would be cherished as a precious memory throughout her life. After a while, Jayden felt it was the right time to give Layla the gift she had been waiting for. He smiled gently and turned to Agatha. The girl seemed to catch on, then nodded. Jayden reached for Agatha's hand and lifted it, revealing the ring on her lovely finger. "Layla, this is a special gift that Papa promised. Aunt Agatha will be the new mother for you." Initially focused on eating, Layla was briefly stunned before a jubilant cheer covered her face. The sparkle of happiness began to shine in her eyes. Not just Layla, Kinara and Sarah, who were unaware of all this, were surprised too. But shortly after, they exchanged glances and smiled joyfully.