Leon found the dining room adorned with a few simple, festive decorations. On the table, a small, homemade chocolate cake sat proudly, adorned with seventeen candles.
His mom was beaming, a party hat perched precariously on her head.
"Happy birthday, my dear!" she chirped, pulling him into a warm hug. "Seventeen! My little boy is all grown up!"
Leon laughed, feeling a rush of warmth. "Thanks, Mom! You really didn't have to!"
"Nonsense!" she declared. "It's your birthday! And your first one in our new home! Now, make a wish!"
Leon closed his eyes, a familiar image flashing in his mind: lifting the Champions League trophy, then the World Cup.
To be the best in the world, he wished silently, and to win everything. He blew out the candles, a puff of smoke rising into the air.
Just as they were about to cut the cake, his phone buzzed. It was a video call from Byon. Leon answered immediately.
