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Yesterday (at the time of writing this; referring to the 24th of May 2025) I was at one of those parties where you realize offline life had barely changed a bit. It was one of my friend's 17th birthday party. His name is Timmy, by the way. I went with my girlfriend. She was his classmate up until high school and they'd known each other long before I've met them. We had a birthday group chat set up two weeks or so before the birthday to get to talk. I already knew a few of the people invited, but we hadn't talked in a good while. We first went to play pool and Timmy was late half an hour (I swear I'm gonna kick his ass). My table finished last because we are the most skillful at this game (fucking lie, we were four big idiots). 

Then all 13 of us hopped on a bus and went to his new house. The atmosphere was hella awkward at first, as we all kinda camped in his bedroom, but then Timmy told us to get downstairs so we wouldn't disturb his parents. He promised some of us Desperados and he told me he'd have some whiskey for me, but guess what; only cider (disappointing, I know). We all discussed about our school, hobbies, friends and drama around our city. Everyone was disconnected from the internet, except for two girls that seemed out of place and Timmy himself since he kept of texting his new girlfriend. Dude, not only you were late to your own party, but you're not even present! Everyone was talking and he once scolded us for being on our phones too much, but he can't even follow his own word. Honestly, this party reminded me that people are people and everyone is kind to everyone else and we are all just trying to figure out life. It's so easy to spread hate and division online, behind a curtain, but we are human before all and those walls fall when we are sat face to face. Yes, we might not all be close with each other but we can gather and laugh once a year to celebrate our common friend.

Timmy annoyed me with his constant texting. I wanted to grab his phone and throw it away. Even as we were eating the pizza we made he was texting nonstop. There was a girl that drank a bit too much (8 strongbows and one beer to be specific) and she was the funny kind of drunk. She kept tripping and throwing shit at a guy. I was laughing my ass off and Timmy? He was still fucking texting. LET THE FUCKING PHONE DOWN FOR ONE GOD DAMN SECOND! I understand texting your girlfriend about what's going on since she couldn't come but enjoy the fucking moment. Most of the time it felt like he wasn't even there and it wasn't his birthday. Whatever; he chose how to enjoy his birthday and friends. 

I enjoyed my time. I laughed, gasped, sung, screamed and all and all had fun. Timmy got cake smashed into his face thrice and all I can say is well deserved. It brought him to reality for a moment. We also had an interesting activity; each had to draw a name and make a bracelet for that person. I drew the name of the girl that got drunk and my girlfriend drew my name. She made me a bracelet with my favorite band, Void. Honestly, I almost shed a tear. I am not used to anyone putting in the efort of making something special just for me. That was maybe the peak of the party for everyone, but pretty soon people started to leave. Bummer. Last to leave were me, my girlfriend and a few others, including the drunk girl, that were taking the bus. Timmy was nice enough to come with us. The way to the bus was probably the most fun I've ever had going home. The drunk girl kept begging for a cigarette from her pack and we wouldn't let her. She ran, tried to spit on the guy holding her stuff, tripped a few times and even hit her head on a sign. Eventually we all had to run to catch the bus. Timmy was on his phone most of the time. I told him he missed so much fun but he dismissed me. You do you dude.

Fun fact, a year ago to the date of writing this (25th of May 2024) I was at his 16th birthday. I barely knew Timmy and was surprised that he invited me, but I went anyway (and what a great choice that proved to be). There I met my actual girlfriend. At the time I was with my ex, but I couldn't have given a single fuck. From the moment I saw this girl, I knew I'd give anything to get to know her. We clicked, but both of us anxious, Timmy took us out over the summer. I got to know her better and I swear she had this way of luring me in a way nothing has ever done. She was like an enigma waiting for me to solve her. For a while I was unsure of my feeling for her, but it became clear once I had heard she got into a relationship and I was jealous. Well that didn't last long and I am glad that it didn't. She came home with me after the party. Still can't wrap my head around the fact that 366 days ago I hadn't even seen the face I kissed last night.

I am forever grateful for that day and I own Timmy big time. Even if sometimes I want to kick his ass, I still love the guy. Can't wait for his 18th birthday. What should you, the stranger that reads this, get out of this? Be there. For you, for your friends, family, lovers and strangers. Be present and enjoy yourself anywhere you might find yourself. You never know what you can get out of it or who you might get to know. Happy birthday Timmy