On My Birthday Morning, I Say “I’m Fine” First
This is a story for anyone who, even on their birthday, first checks the mood the other person wants and answers “I’m fine” when asked what they want.
Scenes
- I Said I Was Fine First — On my birthday morning, when asked what I wanted to do, I answered “I’m fine” before I even had time to think.
- I Watch the Room Even on My Birthday — Worried that saying what I want might spoil the mood, I end up choosing the answer the other person would like.
- When Asked What I Wanted to Do — At eight that morning, when the other person asked what I wanted to do today, I set down the cup in my hand and immediately said I was fine.
- When “I’m Fine” Hides How I Feel — The more special the day, the more a conversation can turn from asking about each other’s wishes into a test of keeping the mood just right.
- Start by Choosing Just One Thing You Want — Today, without explaining why, write down one small wish in your own words—like what you’d like to eat. It’s enough even if you keep it short.
- I Have My Own Pace, Even on My Birthday — You can think about it again after saying you’re fine. What was the first wish that came to mind?
Stories by Haeon
- Haeon
- After the funeral, I find it hard to bring up contraception and testing.
- When someone reaches out after a long time, it’s hard to make plans based on silence alone.
- I fold away my hopes while waiting for a reply
- I keep putting off talking to my parents about my body every Sunday night.
- Sunday night, my feelings get tangled only after we’ve been close
- Someone I haven’t heard from in ages got in touch. Is it okay to bring up contraception first?
- It was my day off, but I said yes again.
- A group chat notification interrupts her.