Mom shook her head while laughing softly, a sigh escaping her nose.
"Okay, one more guess. Last one. Last chance."
"Sera gives up."
I raised both hands dramatically, like surrendering to the police.
"What is it, Ma? Sera's curious! Sera can't stand it anymore!"
Mom took out something from behind her back with slow movements, like a magician pulling out a rabbit—a small chocolate cake with pretty decorations and one candle in the middle, a candle still unlit but already waiting to be lit.
"Happy birthday, dear."
The words floated in the air, but my brain needed a few seconds to process them.
"Eh?"
The sound came out weak and hesitant.
I froze, my eyes fixed on that single candle perched atop the beautifully decorated mini chocolate cake. It stood upright, as if waiting to be lit and then blown out by me.
"Happy birthday, dear."
Mom's voice repeated, tender yet meaningful, pulling me back from my momentary shock. She bent down, her lovely face with sparkling eyes and bright smile now level with mine.
"Sera's... birthday?"
My voice came out softer than I expected.
Mom stepped forward, cupping my cheeks briefly, warmth flooding her eyes.
"Of course!" She laughed, the sound like little bells chiming. "It's Mama's birthday? Mama's child is big today. Already four years old."
"Four... years old?"
I stared at that candle like it was something impossible—like seeing a ghost in broad daylight.
But my brain spun quickly. Four years old. That meant I'd been in this world for four full years. All this time I'd been so absorbed in learning that I'd forgotten the most basic detail.
I didn't even know when my birthday was!
A familiar chill of panic ran down my spine. All this time I'd lived in this house, calling them Dad and Mom, but I didn't know what day I was "born." I didn't even know if the calendar in this world matched the one from my previous life.
Was one year still 365 days? Were there still twelve months?
"Ma..." I asked slowly, trying to keep my voice innocent. "When... is Sera's birthday?"
Mom blinked, then looked at me with an expression mixing confusion and amusement—like someone who'd just heard the strangest question in the world.
"Ha?" She blinked several times as if not believing what I'd just said. "Sera... asking about your own birthday?"
"Yes." I nodded casually. "Mama never told me before."
"Eh?"
This time Mom truly froze. Her mouth opened slightly, as if just realizing something shocking.
"Really never?"
"Never." I shook my head innocently. "Mama and Dad never told Sera about the month names in this world."
"This world...?"
Mom repeated my words with a puzzled tone, but then she shook her head and laughed softly.
"Sera means 'our calendar,' right?"
"Eh... yes, Sera means our calendar."
I'd almost slipped up.
Mom fell silent for a moment, then her hand rose to her head—scratching the back of it with an endearingly embarrassed expression.
"Oh my... Mama just realized... hehe." She mumbled softly, her hand spontaneously covering her mouth, half laughing, half disbelieving.
She winced slightly, then smiled sheepishly.
"Forgive Mama, okay? Turns out Mama forgot to teach such an important thing."
I saw her face flush red, an embarrassed expression that made her look like a child caught forgetting homework. It felt amusing yet endearing.
"It's okay, Ma." I smiled. "So now Mama can tell me."
Mom clapped her hands once with renewed energy.
"Yes, yes!" She immediately brightened again, like a teacher who'd gotten a second chance. "Okay, listen carefully!"
She took a breath, then started lighting a match—but it proved stubborn. She tried several times while speaking in a cheerful tone.
"Today is the 20th of Lunaris. That's the month..." Mom stopped briefly, furrowing her brow. "Wait, is it the third or fourth month? Primius, Secundus, Lunaris... yes, third! Lunaris is the third month!"
She nodded confidently.
"Lunaris..."
I repeated softly, trying to feel how it sounded. In my heart, I grumbled a bit. Mom even forgot basic month names? Truly forgetful.
"Yes. And we have twelve months in a year, dear."
Mom continued while finally managing to light the candle with a soft click. A small flame appeared, dancing on the wick.
"Eh, wait..."
Mom suddenly fell silent, her eyes glazing over as if trying to remember. Her face showed a blank expression momentarily before settling into embarrassment.
To cover it, she suddenly adopted the manner of a teacher, complete with a voice made more authoritative—though the result was actually endearing.
"Okay, dear! Now Mother will teach the month names!" she said with excessive enthusiasm, standing straighter. "Listen carefully!"
She took a deep breath before starting, like a singer about to perform.
"The months are... Primius, Secundus, Lunaris..." She paused briefly, her eyebrows knitting. "Then... Florens? Yes, Florens!"
I watched Mom carefully—the way her fingers moved through the air, the way her eyes lifted upward as if searching for answers on the ceiling.
Her hands began moving as if pointing at an imaginary whiteboard.
"Then... Solara! That's the fifth month..." She bit her lip. "Then... Medio... Harvest... Autumnis..."
Each month name was spoken with pauses—small hesitations where Mom seemed to be pulling memories from dusty corners. Her fingers counted in the air, one by one.
"Ventus... Glacius... Umbris... and lastly..." She looked at me with eyes sparkling with hope. "...Stellara! Right? Yes, Stellara!"
Her breath came slightly quick. Her chest rose and fell, her face flushed—but her smile was so wide, proud of completing the challenge she'd created for herself.
"Ahem... so..."
Mom patted her chest, steadying her breath.
"There are twelve months. Does Sera remember all of them?"
I nodded while repeating in my heart—Primius, Secundus, Lunaris, Florens... Each name felt foreign on my tongue, but I had to memorize them. This was my new world's calendar.
By the way, Mom was indeed forgetful, but she'd finally managed to remember everything thanks to her overly enthusiastic teaching style.
"Twelve months..." I mumbled. "So same as... eh, Sera means, twelve total, Ma?"
Mom nodded while giving a thumbs up.
"Correct! In one year there are twelve months and 365 days, sometimes 366 if it's a leap year."
I sighed with relief inwardly. Thank goodness. The structure was exactly the same as my old world. Twelve months, 365 days. Only the names were different—Latin-flavored and faintly poetic.
20 Lunaris.
I had to remember this date. This was my new birthday.
"Well, that's our brief calendar lesson," Mom said with a giggle, still looking a bit embarrassed for only just realizing. "Now Sera knows, right? Sera's birthday is on the 20th day of Lunaris month."
"Sera remembers, Ma. Thank you."
"Smart child."
Mom smiled, her hand ruffling my hair affectionately. For a moment, I simply enjoyed the warmth of her hand—simple, yet meaningful.
Then her attention returned to the cake before us. The small flame atop that candle still burned calmly, as if patiently waiting its turn.
"Okay, dear, now blow out the candle and make a wish!"
Mom exclaimed with sparkling eyes, pushing the mini chocolate cake closer.
I sighed softly, closing my eyes briefly as if contemplating a wish, before blowing out that candle until it was extinguished. Thin smoke curled upward, carrying the warm scent of melted wax. A wish? Hope I never forget my birthday again. And hope I get an overpowered superpower that can destroy the world with one punch. Amen.
"Darling..."
Mom's voice sounded soft, as if afraid to disturb my thoughts.
"What did you pray for, hm?"
Her tone was light, but her eyes watched me full of curiosity—her body leaning slightly forward, as if waiting for a little secret only I knew.
"Secret."
I answered softly while smiling mysteriously.
"Hah? Mama can't know?"
Mom immediately pretended to pout—her lower lip jutted out, her eyebrows lowered like a child throwing a tantrum.
I held back laughter. "If Mama knows, the prayer won't be granted."
I said seriously, but my tone sounded like I was teasing her.
"Oh, is that how the rules work?"
Mom clasped her hands to her chest, pretending to think deeply.
"Hmm... so Mama has to pretend not to be curious, right?"
"Exactly."
I nodded firmly, pretending to be wise.
"That's how the universe works, Ma."
"Hehehe, okay then, Mama's little universe."
Mom laughed softly—a gentle and calming laugh, making the air in the room feel warm too.
"But can Mama guess?"
I raised an eyebrow. "No."
"Just a little?"
"No."
"Hmm... so stingy,"
Mom sighed, pretending to be annoyed, but her eyes were smiling.
"..."
"..."
"You…" Mom murmured, her hand still resting on my head.
For a second, her eyes looked soft—like she was sorry she couldn't guess what I really wanted.
"Now, want to try the cake? Mama made it herself. Your favorite chocolate flavor. Using a new recipe."
Mom stood briefly to fetch a cake knife and small plate. She returned and carefully cut a slice for me.
I received the piece, placing it in my mouth. The chocolate cake was soft, sweet, melting on my tongue with a familiar warmth. But as I chewed slowly, my eyes unconsciously drifted toward the door.
Empty.
This room felt quiet.
Just me and Mom.
"Ma," I swallowed the cake in my mouth. "Why only Mama giving surprise? Where's Dad?"
"Oh, Dad?"
Mom smiled while fixing my disheveled hair. Her fingers gently combed through strand by strand with familiar, soothing movements.
"Dad already left for work very early this morning, dear. Important meeting, he said. But he left a message for Sera. A special message."
"What message?"
I tilted my head curiously, my eyes widening in anticipation.
"He said..."
Mom imitated Dad's deep voice in an amusing way. Her voice dropped low and authoritative, though the result was actually comical.
"'Tell papa's princess, papa will come home tonight bringing something special. And papa wants to talk with her alone. Something important.'"
I giggled hearing the Dad imitation that wasn't similar at all. Seriously. She sounds like a novice actor trying to mimic professionals. I won't tell her that.
"Hehe, Mama can't imitate him. Not similar!"
"Hey! Mama tried!"
Mom laughed and pinched my cheek gently. Her pinch felt affectionate but didn't hurt at all.
"Anyway, Dad promised to come home earlier tonight. He didn't want to miss his daughter's special day. He said he'd been waiting for this day."
"Oh..."
I nodded, slightly disappointed but understanding.
While Mom busied herself tidying the remaining cake, my mind continued spinning on that new information. Primius, Secundus, Lunaris... I had a starting point now. But one thing still nagged at me. A question even more fundamental than my own birth date.
If I was born in this world, then there must be two people who "gave birth to me" in this world's sense.
I took another piece of cake Mom offered, the chocolate soft and sweet.
"Ma," I started, my voice deliberately casual while dabbing chocolate cream on my fingertip. "If Sera's birthday is the 20th of Lunaris... then when are Mama and Dad's birthdays?"
Mom, who'd just put a spoonful of cake in her mouth, suddenly choked.
Her eyes widened, as if I'd just said something shocking.
"Hah?!"
Her voice came out hoarse as she hurriedly swallowed her cake.
"Where... where does a child your age ask such things?"
I furrowed my brow, playing the innocent child role perfectly. Sorry, Ma. This isn't a question from a four-year-old
"Why not? Sera is Mama's child. Sera should know when Mama and Dad's special days are. So later Sera can give cake and sing, like Mama did for Sera."
Mom's expression transformed.
It melted—from shocked to deeply tender. Her eyes began to glisten.
She set down her cake plate slowly, then reached for me and hugged me tightly. I felt like a cat being embraced.
"Oh my, Mama's child..." she whispered at my shoulder, her voice trembling. Her hug was warm and firm, and I could feel her slightly irregular breathing. "You're too sweet for your age... sometimes Mama forgets you're still small... you're so special."
I didn't move, letting myself sink into that embrace. The scent of soap and faint vanilla from Mom drifted gently around me. Her heartbeat pressed against my chest—calm, but full of emotion she couldn't hide.
A few seconds later, she released me slowly, her hand quickly wiping the corner of her eyes.
"Okay," she said, taking a breath. "Then, now Mama will tell you. But you have to remember well!"
I nodded enthusiastically.
"Mama's birthday," she said while pointing at herself, "is the 15th of Florens. That's the month after Lunaris."
15 Florens.
I repeated it in my heart, locking it in a corner of memory I wouldn't forget. Florens, the month of flowers. Fitting. Mom really is like a flower.
Now, the more important part.
"What about Dad?"
Mom suddenly fell silent.
Her expression shifted to something slightly... guilty. Her head lowered a bit. Her eyes avoided my gaze as she scratched her cheek and smiled awkwardly, exactly like earlier when she realized she hadn't taught me the calendar.
"Ehm... about that..."
"Don't tell me Mama forgot Dad's birthday?"
I asked, slightly shocked. This was an unexpected development.
"Not forgot!"
Mom defended quickly, her face reddening.
"Your dad... Your dad is... a bit strange about his birthday."
"Strange how?"
"Yes... He rarely celebrates it. Sometimes... he deliberately works overtime on that day so he can 'forget.'"
Mom sighed, sounding both annoyed and sympathetic.
"Once, when we were still dating, Mama made a surprise. The result? He actually ran away and disappeared all day!"
I imagined Dad, who usually looked calm and composed, fleeing from birthday cake and balloons. It was a picture both amusing and intriguing.
"So... does Mama know when the date is?" I pressed.
"Know, of course! Of course Mama knows!"
Mom leaned in closer, as if sharing an important secret.
"But don't tell anyone, okay? Dad is embarrassed if it's discussed. Dad's birthday is the 1st of Umbris."
1 Umbris.
Umbris, based on the order she'd recited earlier, was the eleventh month. A date with a dark and mysterious aura, fitting for my dad.
"Is Dad sad on that day?" I asked sympathetically.
"Mother's not sure either," Mom answered, her face thoughtful. "He just says he doesn't like being the center of attention. But..."
Mom suddenly smiled mischievously, like a cat plotting something.
"Now that you know, we two can plan a small surprise for him this year! Something simple, so he won't run away again. How about it?"
Her eyes sparkled with conspiratorial spirit.
I felt a smile bloom on my face. This was more than I'd hoped for. I was genuinely curious about Dad's reaction.
"Sera agrees!" I said enthusiastically, as if we were forming a secret alliance.
"Good!"
Mom raised her palm for a high-five, which I slapped with a joyful thump.
"This will be our secret, just the two of us!"
She then stood and gathered our half-eaten cake plates.
"Now, finish the cake. Later it'll be eaten by ants."
While Mom carried the plates to the kitchen, I sat quietly, processing the information I'd just received.
20 Lunaris. 15 Florens. 1 Umbris.
Three dates now embedded in my mind—three points in time that bound the three of us in this world. Now I didn't just have a name or face. I had days I could remember, days I could celebrate with them.
But there was one thing that troubled me.
A man who fled from his own birthday celebration... Dad who deliberately worked overtime just to "forget" he was celebrating the day of his birth...
Why?
What made you hate that day, Dad?