The sun blasts its vibrant orange rays through the pristine crystal window, bathing the room in a warm glow. The sunlight beams inside, illuminating every corner. As the sky transforms into a yellowish-red hue, the approaching dusk cloaks every interior in an enigmatic darkness, enveloping the surroundings.

     Inside the lounge, elegant tables with pairs of polished oak seats dot the floor. The glimmering orange sunlight streams through the arched windows, blending with the rich, chocolate-brown wooden walls. Chandeliers with glistening pearls and flickering white candles illuminate the space.

     Red wine pours into a delicate glass. Oliver sets the bottle down. He then seizes the glass and lifts it to his lips, taking a light, satisfying sip.

     Gregory reaches for the bottle of wine and pours a generous serving into his awaiting glass. He then grabs the glass and takes a quick, light sip. As he savours the drink, he glances across the round table, staring at his lover.

"You seem disheartened," Gregory said as he lowered his drink from his lips.

Oliver sighed. "I can't help but feel a twinge of sadness... the reality of Sophia's departure has settled heavily," he replied. "For who knows when she'll return?"

Gregory looked down, sighing deeply.

     Oliver's gaze fixates on the vast sky beyond the window. With his glance quivering, he feels lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. As his lover's words flow before him, they dissolve into a distant murmur, barely registering in Oliver's consciousness.

     With each passing moment, the weight of forgotten memories tugged at Oliver's senses, urging him to reclaim fragments of a distant past. His eyes remained locked on the heavens as his mind tried to grasp the web of memories. Staring at the sky, he unintentionally disregarded the words spoken by his beloved as Gregory's voice faded.

     The orange sunlight passing through the window causes Oliver's eyes to shimmer. Oliver then takes a slow, deep breath. As he breathes out, a thought emerges. Slowly, his brows furrow, and his gaze darts to the ground.

As Gregory spoke, Oliver's breath caught in his chest, interrupting the flow of words. "Wait!" Oliver gasped.

Gregory halted his words. "Sorry?" he responded, furrowing his brows.

Oliver placed his wine glass on the table. "Wait," Oliver murmured as he placed a hand on his head.

"What's wrong? Did I say something offensive?" Gregory asked.

"No, no, no. I just remembered something!" Oliver's eyes widened.

     Oliver turns his head around. His eyes swiftly scan around the room. As his glance wanders, he stands from his seat.

"Follow me," Oliver said as he strode forward.

     Oliver advances toward the wooden wall. As he draws nearer, his eyes lock on a hanging calendar. As he stops before the calendar, he squints, inclining his head closer while narrowing his eyes. The sheer number of dates causes his brow to furrow as he stares at the labyrinth of numbers and events.

Oliver's finger precisely pointed at the date on the calendar. "Today's September twenty-six..."

"Wait, I think I just remembered something, too," Gregory tightened his lips.

Oliver and Gregory placed their fingers under their chin, raising a brow. "...Ohh! It's Sophia's birthday tomorrow!" they both exclaimed as they stared at the calendar.

"Then, what do we do?" Oliver asked.

"What should we do?" Gregory asked as well.

"Oh!" Oliver suggested. "Let's celebrate it here!"

"Here?" Gregory gasped, grinning from ear to ear.

"But first, we need my Dad's permission," Oliver said, placing a finger on his chin. He then turned towards the door, leaving the lounge. "Let's go!"

"Okay," Gregory replied as he followed Oliver.

     In the meantime, Frederick rests on a rocking chair with a newspaper firmly grasped in his hands. He swings along his wooden seat as he flips through the pages. His eyes, sharp and focused, scan each word on the paper.

     Suddenly, the distant echoes of muffled thuds reach Frederick's ears, barely perceptible. Gradually, the sound intensifies, growing more defined with each passing moment. Frederick lowers the newspaper from his face and glances at the doorway.

     Then, the door opens. Oliver and Gregory enter, placing a palm on their chest and nodding. Frederick looks back at them and smiles.

"Dad!" Oliver called out as he approached Frederick.

Frederick smiled, placing the newspaper he held onto a nearby stand. "Yes, my son? Is there something you need?" he responded.

Oliver took a deep breath. "May I ask for your humble permission?" he inquired politely.

"Mhm," Frederick beamed.

"So... it's September twenty-six," Oliver leaned forward, putting his hands on his back as he grinned.

"And?" Frederick raised a brow, curious.

"Tomorrow is Sophia's birthday," Oliver revealed, becoming slightly timid. "And I am asking you if it's fine if we can celebrate her day here since she'll be leaving soon?"

"She's leaving? Well then," Frederick's eyes widened. "Let's make her last days in this mansion a joyous affair by celebrating her birthday!"

Oliver and Gregory exchanged glances and grinned at each other. "Yes!" they cheered.

"But, on one condition!" Frederick raised a finger.

Oliver glanced at Frederick. "Yes?"

"The maids and servants may follow your commands, but it is you who will plan for Sophia's birthday," Frederick instructed. "Alright?"

"Right!" Oliver responded promptly, snapping his right hand to his forehead in a salute.

     As time passes, the sun regains its strength, preparing to ascend from the east. The darkened sky gradually transforms into a serene shade of blue. The landscape, cloaked in shadows, begins to bask in the warm embrace of yellow-orange sunlight. Flocks of birds take flight, filling the air with their melodious chirping.

     Inside a bedroom, the gentle rays of sunlight pierce through the partially drawn curtains. Illuminated by the golden light, Oliver peacefully slumbers on his bed with his eyes softly closed. The sun's gentle touch caresses his face, slowly rousing him from his slumber. With a sudden gasp, Oliver awakens, sitting upright from the mattress.

"It's Sophia's birthday!" Oliver grinned.