Winter was settling in, bringing cold winds and gray clouds over the small home. Even then, an important day arrived: it was Miss Shu's birthday. She had not thought much about celebrating. Her mind was busy with worries about her family, the money for surgery, and what she had already sacrificed. But her children wanted to do something special for her.
Early in the morning, Yang woke up quietly and tiptoed into Goo's room. Goo pretended he was still asleep, but Yang poked him until he rolled over and grinned. Goo whispered, "Today's the day. Did you find any wildflowers?"
Yang nodded and showed Goo a tiny bunch of colorful flowers, picked from the empty lot a few streets away. Goo looked at them closely. "Not roses, but Mom will like them anyway."
The brothers crept into the kitchen, where Miss Shu was making her usual chicken soup. She saw her boys whispering, hiding something behind their backs, and smiled a little. She hadn't smiled much lately. Yang stepped up first, holding out the bunch of wildflowers.
"Happy birthday, Mom," he said, blushing. Goo added, "You deserve real flowers, but these were free."
Miss Shu's eyes brimmed with tears. She hugged both boys tightly, feeling every year of love and hardship. "These are the most beautiful flowers I have ever received. Thank you, sons."
Her husband came in, coughing but trying to stand tall and cheerful. He brought her a simple bracelet made of string and a tiny pebble—his own gift. "You keep the family together," he told her quietly.
The family sat down for breakfast. The soup was thin and the bread hard, but everyone seemed a little happier today. Goo tried to make a joke about the weather, and Yang laughed, the sound brightening the room.
When the meal was finished, Miss Shu looked at her children and husband and said, "I have something to tell you all."
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small note. "Last week, I found a job. The pay is not much, but it helps. I also borrowed money from my new employer. Because of that, I think we can pay for at least one of the surgeries now."
Goo's eyes grew wide. "Mom, that's great! Who will get the surgery first?"
A moment of silence filled the kitchen. Miss Shu knew this question would come. She looked at both her sons carefully. "I do not want to choose between you. If we are strong and kind to each other, maybe we can find more help for both of you."
Yang looked at Goo and squeezed his hand under the table. Goo didn't pull away. The boys understood how hard their mother was trying.
After breakfast, the children ran outside to play in the cold sunlight. Miss Shu watched them, her heart light and heavy at the same time.
Later that day, relatives came to visit for her birthday. Aunt Suhei arrived with a small cake she baked herself. Uncle Chao brought fruit. The family gathered in the living room, singing a birthday song that bounced off the walls and made even Miss Shu laugh.
Goo, always one to organize, asked everyone to write wishes on pieces of paper. Each wish was read aloud. Some were funny, some were simple: "Get well soon," "Find peace," "Stay strong." Miss Shu saved every scrap of paper, folding them into a jar she kept in the kitchen.
Aunt Suhei told stories about her younger days, making everyone laugh. Yang curled up next to her, listening as she described old adventures and silly mistakes from her youth. Goo helped in the kitchen, carrying plates and cups, doing his best to take care of his mother on her special day.
In the late afternoon, the family ate the cake and celebrated as best they could. Miss Shu's husband offered to help with the dishes, but his hands shook a little, and Yang quickly stepped in.
After everyone left, Goo and Yang sat with Miss Shu by the window. The sun was setting, painting the sky in gold and orange. Goo said quietly, "We may not have everything, Mom, but we have each other."
Yang nodded. "We will help you, and each other, no matter what."
Miss Shu hugged them closely. She thought of all the promises made in that small house—promises of love, of strength, of never giving up. She felt their hearts beating against her, felt their hope, and for the first time in a long while, she truly believed that they could find a way through the dark days ahead.
As the evening grew quiet, Miss Shu told her boys, "No matter how many times I make the same soup, or how many times you bring me wildflowers, I will always love you. Even when the world seems hard, remember this: family is forever."
The boys smiled and agreed, both understanding now that even if the gifts were small, the love behind them was more precious than diamonds.