My Gift

Amidst the falling snow, the soft sound of a piano swayed. I'm slowly walking forward alone.

Today is December 9th and it is my birthday. Among the many people passing by me

No one knows how important today is to me.

Even my significant other doesn't know.

Amidst the falling snow The sound of the piano swaying softly sounded as I slowly walked forward alone. Today the atmosphere is bustling. Because it was Wednesday in the middle of the week, people who had just gotten off work walked with purpose. Some walked in groups, some walked in pairs. It was different from me, who was walking forward slowly alone with no purpose.

Today is December 9th and it is my birthday. Among the many people walking past me, not a single person knew how important this day was to me. Even my significant other doesn't know my father and mother. You always work hard. Sometimes you may forget things. which I understand This morning I called him but he didn't say anything. Just telling me to take good care of myself like usual, sometimes I forget the feeling of receiving blessings from important people as well.

The sound of the piano still fluttered softly. I tried to listen to where this beautiful sound was coming from and I found that It probably came from the church not far ahead. “It would be nice to go to church on my birthday too,” I thought, walking forward with purpose.

A church that was neither big nor small stood in front of me. I didn't hesitate to open the wooden door that was carved with beautiful patterns. And found that it was very peaceful inside. The interior is not beautifully decorated. As luxurious or grand as a church in the middle of a city should be, it is incredibly simple and beautiful.

I turned around to look around for the piano that was the source of the music playing. Finally, I found my target, almost at the end of the back door of the church. A thin young man with blond hair was playing the piano swayingly and seemed to be in tune with the melody. The playing is too great. So I walked closer and quietly absorbed the music that the young man was playing. A short time passed.

The music stopped and the young man stood still as if he was thinking about something in his heart. So I walked in, hoping to find a friend to talk to on a day that seemed gloomy to me like this.

“The sound of your piano is very beautiful,” I said softly so that the young man would not be startled by a stranger visiting. The young man turned around as soon as my voice stopped.

“Thank you,” a soft, sweet voice replied in shock.

“I heard music outside. So I took the opportunity to walk in and listen. You probably don't mind, right? I'm really sorry for startling you,” I said, bowing my head apologetically.

"It's okay, I'm just a little shocked," the young man replied.

“You play at this church regularly? I've never seen you around here before." I asked. Because I had never seen this young man before.

“I just moved here recently. Come stay with your uncle who is a priest here,” the young man replied.

“My name is Minho, Choi Minho. I don't live too far from here. Do you mind if I ask your name?” I asked.

“Taemin, my name is Lee Taemin,” the young man replied, turning his head from the piano to talk to me.

“I want to say again that the sound of your piano is really beautiful. It makes me feel like I'm not alone,” I said, smiling at the young man gratefully.

“I'm glad my music can relieve your sadness. I too use music to keep me company when I'm lonely. I'll play another song for you to listen to. Are you interested?" the young man said in a cheerful voice.

“With pleasure.” I happily accepted the invitation and walked to sit in the front row chair. In order to see this performance clearly

The young man smiled at me. Then he turned back to face the piano again, and soon the sound of the piano in a bright melody sounded. The young man didn't use any advanced playing techniques, but I felt that this song was so beautiful that it was like the best birthday present for me this year.

The melody reminded me of the atmosphere of the birthday party that my parents planned for me when I was a child. It wasn't very grand. But it's so warm There were four of us, my father, mother, brother and I. We had dinner, baked cakes, and unwrapped presents. The music really reminded me of those warm times, and soon the cheerful music ended.

Pae, pae, pae. I stood up and applauded the young man's song sincerely.

“Thank you. I'm glad you like my song. Next week I'm going to audition to be a musician, at least if I'm not a musician. I'm glad there are still people who like my songs,” the young man said in a cheerful voice.

“I don't know what the people judging you will say but the most important thing is that I got what you wanted out of the song and I really like it. It was my best birthday present this year,” I said.

“Really? Happy birthday. I don't have any gifts for you. Then I'll play you a Happy Birthday song," the young man said, then turned to play the Happy Birthday song on the piano and sang softly.

“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you Happy Birthday Happy Birthday Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

Be very happy.” The young man turned to wish me well with a bright smile.

“Thank you, but I have to go now. Thank you once again.” I thanked him one last time. while bowing his head to that young man

“Do you have to go? Will you come here again next year? Next year, I'll be waiting to play the Happy Birthday song for you again. If I have free time, please come. Thank you for liking my music,” the young man said, bowing his head to me as well.

“Maybe we could meet sooner than that...Lee Taemin,” I said and turned and walked away.

I slowly reached out and closed the church door. Then walked away Snow is still falling and the air has not yet recovered from the cold. But I felt so much warmth in my heart. I reached into my shirt, picked up the phone, and dialed the number I remembered. I waited a short while and there was an answer.

"What's up, child? I'm thinking about you." My mother's voice returned brightly.

“I also miss my mother. And what about Dad?” I asked about the man I miss the most right now.

“His father takes athletes to training camps. Next month it will be competition season, so our father is taking the athletes to practice hard,” Mom replied.

“Dad must be working hard again, right? Please tell Dad to take care of himself. I don't want to bother you by calling.” I left a message for Dad.

“Alright, son, have you gone to your room yet? Mom and dad sent your child a birthday present. It should arrive today. Don't forget to go get it. I was busy this morning so I forgot to tell you, happy birthday to you. Mom and Dad always love you,” my mother said in a warm voice.

“Not yet at the accommodation. But I'll definitely go get it. Thank you very much, Mom and Dad.” I replied in a voice that couldn't hide my joy.

“Then child, hurry back to your room. It's cold already. Don't forget to take care of yourself, child,” my mother said in the same warm voice as before.

“Thank you, Mom. See you during the long New Year's break," I told Mom.

"Alright, see you later. I love you always." Then the mother hung up the phone.

Or was this a blessing from that young Lee Taemin's song? Right now I can't stop myself from smiling so I have to hurry back and pick up the day's things from the room attendant while walking back to my accommodation. I never forgot to follow my intentions that I had decided since I left the church.

“Hello, this is Minho. Lee Taemin will be auditioning with me next week. I've already met him. Next week, you can prepare a contract for him to sign. I'll accept him as my musician..."

At least I got to repay that young man's Happy Birthday song.

...The End...

Writer: First time learning to write fiction. Given as a birthday present for Minho on December 9, 2015.

Whether it's good or not, please give readers some advice.