i remember packaging half a vanilla cake in a to-go box, a slightly cramped "happy birthday!" freshly painted on the outer layer of frosting. I snuck a couple of rainbow sprinkle cookies in there, too.

i couldn't see too much from behind the counter, but while sorting the register i saw the one who came in earlier with a coworker, sharing the piece of cake while sitting on the curb. even if it wasn't the most grand way to celebrate a birthday, it still seemed lovely, sharing it with a friend.

the convenience store closes much later that my bakery does, as their lights illuminate the corner even brighter when mine go out. i locked the door at 8:45 and glanced to see that coworker again, smoking, presumably on break.

"happy birthday!" i said. he almost seemed confused for a moment, and even though he seemed to smile, this sullen feeling washed over me suddenly. i felt like i said something i wasn't supposed to.

"oh. my birthday. yea. thanks."

a car zipped by and he flinched.