[video] It doesn't get much sadder than this.

[dekillerqueen]

[Shelly sits alone - save for a cat crawling under the dinner table - in his dining room. It seems far too large for one man and his cat, really.

The first remarkable thing about this video is that he is cutting a slice of cake - a rather fancy piece of pastry, finely decorated with frosting and topped with candles - for himself.

The second is that, for a few moments, he hums "Happy Birthday"; then he stops, stares off into the distance, as if suddenly realising how silly he looked, and continues eating his cake in silence.

He hasn't voluntarily posted in a while, and this was certainly not a voluntary post. The community is a vile mistress.]

Comments

[dekillerqueen]

No, not particularly. [He's a little too old for that.]

[harbingersoul]

I assumed it customary, from the expectations of the children. Even Sister- hm. Perhaps it was only for their benefit.

[dekillerqueen]

Are you referring to your own birthday?

[harbingersoul]

No. Mine has yet to come. The Sister's was recent; she had candles and a wish.

[dekillerqueen]

I see. I believe that is customary.

[harbingersoul]

Hm. It was not so insistent in my previous residence. But then, there were few children there. It is for the benefit of youth, a custom, perhaps.

[dekillerqueen]

It is... a matter of joviality, I suppose.

[harbingersoul]

Perhaps. I'm curious as to when it started. There was not always such a celebration for life.

[dekillerqueen]

Hmm. I wonder...