For Dica the Beagle, today is a big day in his life—his birthday. But within the everyday grind, there are no celebrations, no well-wishers, no meetings to mark the event. Rather, Dica discovers he is depressed and alone, long for the simple pleasure of being recognised and the friendship.
Dica sits silently in his corner; his tail wagging weakly causes him to feel depressed. His heart suffers much from the absence of familiar faces and the lack of holiday happiness, which makes him question why his wonderful day has gone unreported by those he loves.
Memories of prior birthdays abound in Dica’s mind throughout the day: the laughing, the sweets, and the loving gestures that rendered every celebration so memorable. But as the hours go by, there are no balloons, no presents, and no festive “Happy Birthday” choruses to make him smile.
Dica tries to keep optimistic, but he can’t get rid of his loneliness. He questions whether nobody remembers his birthday or if anyone is willing enough to spend a moment celebrating with him. His once brilliant eyes now sparkle with unshed tears, mirroring the anguish of longing and disappointment weighing down his spirit.
But within the shadows, Dica hears a tiny voice of compassion assuring him he is not alone. It offers hope. Though the world may seem to be apathetic, there are some that adore him, treasure him, and would do anything to bring about his happiness.
Living among lush trees and flowering gardens in a small neighbourhood, Dica, a Beagle, was happy. Dica was a cherished member of his neighbourhood, well-known for his endless vitality and wagging tail. The Parkers, his owners, loved him and made sure he was consistently cared for. Dica was naturally nice to everyone he came across, which helped him to make friends anywhere he went. The Parkers planned to hold a big celebration as his birthday drew near, asking every local dog and owner to participate.
Dica, sporting a bright birthday cap, wagged his tail in expectancy. Pacing the yard and barking happily, he could hardly contain his excitement. But his excitement started to wain as the hours passed. The garden stayed vacant and no one showed up. The Parkers too began to get worried. Many neighbours had pledged to visit; they had sent invites well in advance.
It was obvious as the sun sank lower in the sky that nobody was attending Dica’s birthday celebration. Though Dica realised something was wrong, the Parkers tried to hide their disappointment. His usual lively manner changed, and he flopped down on the grass with eyes that showed great gloom. His uneaten cake and unspoiled sweets only served to accentuate the dismal mood.
Mrs. Parker bent down next to Dica and lightly combed his fur. “I’m so sorry, Dica,” she said quietly. “We wanted today to be unforgettable for you.” Seeing his pet Beagle depressed, Mr. Parker that they stroll Dica to the dog park in hopes it would make him happier.
Dica woke up a little at the park, his nose twitching as he smelt the known smells. Dica ran half-heartedly after the Parkers tossed his preferred ball. He ran into a few other dogs, but none stopped long enough to play. Watching their once-jolly Beagle, now so depressed, the hearts of the Parkers hurt.
Driven to turn around the day, the Parkers devised a plan. They agreed to throw a last-minute family celebration. They spread out Dica’s goodies, placed up a picnic blanket in the park, and sat down with him. Singing “Happy Birthday” to Dica, they clapped and cheered as though the park were packed with visitors. Dica started to waggon his tail after he sensed their sincere attempt to provide him happiness.
From his suitcase, Mr. Parker retrieved Dica a birthday present—a noisy toy. The Beagle’s tail wagging fiercely, his eyes brightened and he seized the toy excitedly. The Parkers ran about and laughed with him. Dica’s birthday started to clear slowly from the gloom of sadness.
The Parkers brought Dica home when the evening was ending. Dica curled between them as they watched a movie. Though it wasn’t the spectacular celebration they had hoped for, the day closed with love and affection. Though first let down, Dica took comfort in his family’s relentless love.
The Parkers came to see that although friends and celebrations are great, the love they had daily with Dica is far more significant. Dica’s lonely birthday became a treasured memory of resiliency, love, and the unbroken link between a dog and his family.
The knowledge that he is loved, valuable, and never really alone helps Dica find comfort as the day comes to a conclusion and her lonely birthday draws to an end. Friendship and love shine brilliantly even in the worst of times, guiding the path to a better future.