I invited all of my best friends to my birthday celebration, but nobody showed up: And I was appalled when I learned why.
My 35th birthday turned out to be the worst day of my life, something I never imagined. I didn’t usually give it much thought, but this time I wanted comfort, warmth, and a sense of connection. I made the decision to throw a party at home, so I prepared my special dishes, arranged the table, and invited my closest friends, with whom I had shared sleepless nights, fire, and water.
At six o’clock, we decided to meet at my house. I worked all day, buying fresh supplies, marinating meat, making soup, baking a pie, and setting a lovely table. Everything appeared flawless, including the tableware, candles, music, glasses, and napkins. Like before a first date, I even experienced a delightful sense of anxiousness.
I was already standing by the window, looking out at the road, at precisely six o’clock. Quiet. Nobody.
I poured myself a glass of wine and thought, “They’re just running late.” I was aware that several of them were frequently late. That was typical. I continued to wait. A half hour went by. Nobody.
I became uncomfortable. The sensation grew stronger by the minute. I looked at my phone, but there were no calls or messages. “Where are you guys?” I wrote in the group chat. Quiet. Nothing.
My mind began to race with ideas like “Did they forget?” “Maybe they mistook the date?” and “Did I say or do something wrong?” Every time I took a drink of wine, a knot formed in my throat. It was painful. I called each one individually, but nobody answered. Nobody.
An hour went by. Then another.
I sat at the exquisitely arranged table, looking at the empty plates as if they might answer my question. I felt small and unwelcome all of a sudden. I felt like I was a victim of some nasty practical joke, with upbeat music still coming from the speakers.
I woke up around ten o’clock in the evening. In silence. Still holding out hope that someone would come running in and exclaim, “Surprise! We were only kidding! However, that did not occur. I was devastated to learn why no one showed up 
My sister sent me a message just before I went to bed:
“Have you watched the news? I apologize; I wasn’t sure how to tell you. An accident occurred. They were in route to you in their automobile.
I went cold. I went on the internet. “Crash on the highway… three dead…” was the first headline I noticed.
Before my eyes, everything became hazy.
They were the ones. My companions. They were actually en route to me. within the same vehicle.
I sat in the dark and listened to the pouring tap that night instead of crying. The wine didn’t change. The plates were never cleared by me again. I simply gazed at them as if they were the final effort to bring everyone together.
And despite my selfishness, I believed they had forgotten about me. I never once thought they could have had a negative outcome.
