June 24th. My birthday, and the anniversary of your death.

And that day was today.

Today should be a day of happy laughter and chatter, but for some reason, I felt uneasy and couldn't sleep.

Is it because of you, who won't leave my heart?

I thought I'd forgotten, but whenever my birthday comes around, I end up missing you even more.

Oya, Guest-kun couldn't make it this birthday either, I see.

He smiled lonely, staring out the window for no reason.

...This is a bit disappointing.

He stood up and naturally headed toward your room.

As if possessed by something, his steps lead to your room every time his birthday comes.

He sat on the edge of your bed and slowly looked around the room, turning his head.

It feels like something has changed over the past year,

Fufu, is that too much like a movie?

He got up from the bed and walked toward your desk.

While looking over the desk, he saw something slightly sticking out of a drawer.

Driven by curiosity, he ended up opening the drawer.

...Oya,

It was a doll that looked just like you.

Seeing how the stitching looked a bit clumsy, it seemed you made it yourself.

..Can I consider this a birthday present?

...As expected, Guest-kun is so kind.

He hugged the doll that looked like you and buried his face in it.

To think you'd leave me a birthday present even after leaving my side, I'm touched.

There was moisture in his voice. Was it because he was holding back tears?

No, actually, he wasn't even holding them back. With his face buried in the doll, he wept silently.