Icre was a small, brown dog with a heart as big as the city. He had been homeless for as long as he could remember, his days spent wandering the streets, scavenging for food, and seeking shelter from the elements. Today was his birthday, a day that most dogs celebrated with joyous barks and wagging tails. But for Icre, it was just another day of loneliness and uncertainty.
He sat by a busy intersection, his eyes fixed on the passing cars and pedestrians. He yearned for someone to notice him, to offer a kind word or a gentle pat on the head. He remembered a time when he had a family, a home filled with love and laughter. But that was a distant memory now, replaced by the harsh realities of life on the streets.
As the day wore on, Icre’s spirits began to sink. He watched as people hurried by, their faces filled with their own worries and concerns. No one seemed to notice him, let alone care about his existence. He felt a pang of sadness, a deep-rooted loneliness that gnawed at his heart.
Just as he was about to give up hope, he heard a familiar voice. It was a young boy, no older than ten, calling his name. The boy had been walking past when he spotted Icre sitting alone. He had seen Icre before and had always wanted to pet him, but he had been too shy. Today, he finally mustered up the courage to approach him.
“Happy birthday, Icre!” the boy exclaimed, kneeling down to scratch behind Icre’s ears. “I hope you have a great day.”
Icre’s tail wagged with delight. It was the first birthday wish he had received in a long time. As the boy continued to pet him, Icre felt a warmth spread through his body. For a moment, he forgot about his loneliness and his worries. He had found a friend, someone who cared about him. And that was the best birthday gift he could have asked for.
