Why Do You Feel Envy Towards Other People’s Success?
You know you can also do it but that would mean taking responsibility.
The lights dim, the music starts playing, and I immediately know what’s happening. Behind me, three waitresses start singing.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUU…HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUU…HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUU…”
That last youuu was a prolonged one after which everyone — even the other guests start clapping. I feel myself blush and look at the cake in front of me. It’s a beautiful cake, chocolate biscuit — the way I like it! — and has 5 candles. I hesitate for a moment, feeling the pressure of the moment, thinking about the wish. I am 23 but I take these things seriously (a birthday wish is a serious matter!).
After two seconds, I blow the candles with my cheeks like a little chubby kid. Everyone gives me another round of applause. I look around. The waitresses go away, leaving me, my sister, and mom with a cake.
I smile.
“You know,” my sister Kate says, who is sitting on my left. She puts her hand on my shoulder. “There’s something you should know,” she continues, as I dig in the cake. “I think that you’re an amazing person. You have an outstanding personality–”
