The last birthday

"I-I'm very sorry, Ukraine…" France began, omitting the document with the diagnosis. "you have 1 day left to live..." Ukraine looked at France with shock. He couldn't believe these words. He looked down. He clasped his hands, and tears appeared in his eyes. "No... How come? What have I done wrong in my life that I'm going to die now?" "Ukraine, I understand." France could hardly hold back her tears. "But it's incurable." "I don't want to die, I don't want to make others cry o-or even worse!" Ukraine clutched his head. "I'm sorry..." "What I'll say to others? What will I say to Russia?" Ukraine squeezed his eyes shut. "It's your choice... to lie to them or not. In any case, everything will lead to your death." Ukraine sobbed. But suddenly he realized one thing. "1 day? Completely?" he asked. "Yes, tomorrow morning, at about 4 a.m., you will die... it's not accurate, but only calculations, because we don't know exactly when you got sick with this..." "Oh… today is... june 15th.." Ukraine lowered his head. France looked at Ukraine with even greater shock. She had forgotten that today was the birthday of this still very young guy. "My God... I'm... I'm so sorry..." France has shed tears. "It's okay... maybe. I'll spend my last b-day with joy, and at night... I'll wait for my fate." France wiped away her tears. "It's going to hurt you." "No. I'm sure my family and my friends will make me happy." Ukraine smiled through his tears. "I won't fake a smile, I swear. For me, joy is my life. I'll be sad when I die. While I'm alive, I have time to enjoy the last moments of my life!" The boy closed his eyes sweetly. France looked away. Ukraine knew that she could bear any death and even treat it coldly, but now the death of a loved one, who she knew for 12 years, is killing her. "Don't cry, France. You can bear the death of anyone, so don't cry over my death. Your family and your friends are with you. If you miss me, then look at the sky, I'll always look at you and my family" France sighed "I'll... try." *** Ukraine was standing in front of the apartment door. He remembered all the good moments that were with him. How he became friends with Poland, overcame many fears, how he changed, taught others to change, taught them to give others and themselves a chance, how he felt good surrounded by others, how the support of others helped him get back on his feet during mental pain. And now he'll finish his journey. Ukraine took out his keys and started opening the door. He pulled the handle and opened it. "Oh, Ukraine, you finally came!" Indonesia came into the hallway. He was smiling. "Yeah, heh… sorry, it took so long." Ukraine also smiled. "No, you're just in time! I'll go and tell the others that you're already here!" Ukraine laughed softly. He took off his shoes and went to the bathroom. He had only one goal – to be happy. He washed his hands and went to the kitchen. Everyone else was there. "Guess what?" Russia came up to his brother, smiling. "Today is a special day, right?" Ukraine smiled sweetly. "Yes! But what correctly? You have 1 attempt." Russia crossed his arms. "June 15th, my 18th birthday." Russia clapped his hands. "Well done, that's right!" Ukraine looked at those who were in the kitchen. A lot of people, they all meant a lot to him. They went through so many stages together, went through many conflicts, suffered a lot, but got up and walked straight to the true path, to adulthood and happiness. Ukraine approached them. Poland hugged his friend. It's a pity that Ukraine wouldn't see his 18th birthday. "Happy early b-day, Pol..." Ukraine said softly. "Thanks." It's also quiet, Poland said happily. "Well, we can get down to the fun!" Germany said. He was smiling too. He can only afford it on holidays or special days. "Make a wish and blow out the candles." Indonesia touched Ukraine's shoulder. 18 candles, 18 lights that need to be extinguished. Ukraine sat down at the table. The light was reflected in his eyes. He looked at the lights calmly. «May life be happy for them without me...» Ukraine smiled again. He took a deep breath and blew out all 18 candles at once. Cheers and congratulations rang out after the candles went out and gray smoke rose up. The light from them stopped illuminating Ukraine's face, but he was smiling. "Oh, we should thought of something to do with you tomorrow!" Italy said, thoughtfully turning away. Ukraine looked away, more precisely, at France. She was happy too, but Ukraine saw tears behind the mask on her face. He got up and walked over to her, then hugged her. France patted him on the head. The image of the child will forever remain in her memory and soul. Britain was fascinated. "We'll spend tomorrow according to your wishes." Estonia said, approaching Ukraine. Ukraine didn't answer, but just looked at the tricolor in silence. Then he looked at Canada. Here he is, the very first friend of Ukraine. They have also known each other for 12 years, they know each other very well. Ukraine looked at America. As a child, he gifted Ukraine with the ability to love extremes. Next to him is Mexico, who will never tell a personal secret until his "creator" tells it himself. Ukraine turned away. Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. A new and better family for him. They've known him longer, they love him. They cherish him so much, how many years they went back to back through quarrels, lies and losses. "When you eat, go to Russia's room, there's a surprise for you there." Indonesia stood behind Ukraine with these words, who nodded with a smile. Oh, Indonesia was the one who Ukraine taught to change and accept himself, his hatred. Ukraine sat down at the table again. There are so many people around him that it's like it's some kind of organization, but no… this is a big family that Ukraine has gathered over the years. Italy quickly and skillfully cut the cake into pieces. The white color was always suitable for any sweet. This is the taste that Ukraine loves. Others watched him, cheered him up, and discussed the past, the future, and the unknown. After that, Ukraine went to Russia's room, fulfilling his request. He came in and a second later the firecrackers burst. There were Japan, China, North Korea, and South Korea in the room. Ukraine smiled. "Ah, don't look like that, how couldn't we come?" North Korea said "You are already 18, 10 years of our friendship!" South Korea said. Ukraine once reconciled both brothers. He taught them to accept themselves and give society a chance. "Yes. And the acquaintance was unusual for everyone." Japan said. "Everyone asked me to tell you that they're proud of you. Despite your mistakes and bad deeds, you remained a friend and brother to everyone. Live like a friend, Ukraine." China said. Ukraine wiped away tears of joy. Suddenly, he was grabbed by the shoulders by someone. It was Moldova. "Thank you for being here, Ukraine!" tricolor said. Ukraine hugged him. Romania, Czech and Georgia. They were in the kitchen, but now they came to see if everything went well. Moldova pointed his finger at the door to the Ussr's, which is no longer alive, and said: "There's something there too." Ukraine knew what to expect, because many people had known him all the time and everyone could not miss the chance to congratulate him on coming of age. He opened the door and went in. They put a wreath on his head. It was Palestine. "A friendly request from Indonesia." He smiled. Israel looked at Ukraine and smiled. «How much will I... see?» the question replayed in Ukraine's mind. He wondered what was in his room. He walked over and opened the door. Indonesia's family were there. Ah, they warmly congratulated him. Ukraine has already forgotten that he must die in the morning. He was happy. He was having fun, as if for the first time. His joy pleased others. Everyone were happy. But every fun needs to end. At 1 a.m, everyone began to disperse, congratulating Ukraine once again. Two-color was happier than ever! But… he remembered about his death. He remembered that he wouldn't be able to spend the next day, and indeed to live in general. He went to his room when his family went to sleep. He came... into Ussr's room. He took out a piece of paper and decided to write a last note. He began to write. All his thoughts were in his head and he transferred them to the sheet. “My family, I know you're reading this. Know that I'm no longer alive. I hid death from you. But I WASN'T pretending to be happy, I was happy! Thank you for spending my last birthday with me. Thank you for inviting others, for making me happy. I've always been glad to have such a family and such friends. Thank you for being with me, for giving me emotions, for supporting me. Thanks for everything! Please don't be sad about my death, don't kill yourself! Live and enjoy life with those who give you joy. You're great!” Ukraine, 18 years old, at 1 a.m, on June 16, 2026 Ukraine wiped his tears and left a note on the table. He lay down on the bed. The room of the deceased Ussr will quietly take his life. Ukraine started to cry. He learned a long time ago to look death in the eye, but his family… what'll they say? What'll they do? It's unknown. But Ukraine cried until he got tired. Quiet, but a lot. While everyone was asleep and didn't even know it, he was crying and trembling. He was in pain. Everyone was so happy, not knowing about the diagnosis, about death. A lot of time passed and he looked at the watch... 3 a.m... he couldn't calm down for 2 whole hours... but he accepted it. He accepted his fate. He smiled through his tears. Whole life flew before his eyes, every moment, good and bad. He remembered everyone: friends, enemies, others. The end... the moment has come. He'll be gone in the morning. The teenager closed his eyes and fell asleep, knowing that he wouldn't be alone either and that this last day on earth was the best for him.