"Okay, move it!" Oliver beamed.

     Oliver and Gregory, accompanied by a bustling team of cooks and servants, carried plates and bowls filled with steaming dishes. The aroma of freshly cooked meals filled the air as they placed each steaming dish and chilled dessert on the dining table, arranging them in a symmetrical and neat line. Slowly, the sound of a pair of footsteps materialized, and its volume grew with each passing moment.

     Frederick walked into the dining room. His eyes widened as he glanced upward. His jaw dropped as he gasped. Frederick then noticed his adoptive son, Oliver, approaching him.

"Dad!"

"Wow! I am truly impressed. Did you and the rest prepare all of these?" Frederick said.

"Indeed, Dad! It was a true team effort," Oliver nodded.

     Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed through the grand estate, catching everyone's attention. Heads turned towards the direction of the noise. Everyone glanced through the broad doorway that revealed the magnificent grand staircase.

     Sophia stomped as she descended the staircase in her pink and floral rose dress. However, her descent was impeded by Edgar, who had wrapped his arms tightly around her legs. The weight pulling her back made each step a struggle, and her head throbbed with frustration as she clenched her teeth. Despite the burden, Sophia continued walking down the stairs.

"Greg! Your cousin is acting weird!" she groaned.

Finally, Edgar released his grip on Sophia's legs and swiftly sprinted towards the dining room, joining the others in their hurried movements.

     Sophia descended another step. She closed her eyes and groaned. As she reached the bottom, she turned to her right, only to meet a breathtaking sight. Gasping, she covered her mouth as surprise consumed her.

"Happy birthday!" everyone greeted.

     Sophia battled her tears as her eyes glistened with emotion. Relief and joy trembled through her as she mustered a shaky smile. Taking small steps forward, she approached her friends inside the dining room, staring at the banner prepared for her. Her eyes then landed on the table flooded with decorated meals.

"You all planned this... for me?" Sophia's voice quivered.

"For you, Sophia," Oliver smiled.

Sophia grinned. "You guys are the best!" she hastened towards her friends.

     The party has commenced and is in full swing. Laughter fills the room as everyone cheers, popping open bottles of wine. The glasses overflow with white wine, sparkling in the ambient light. With glasses held high, everyone raises a collective toast.

"For Sophia!"

     Plates quickly fill up as people eagerly pile their favourite dishes onto them. The dining table showcases an impressive array of culinary delights, from steaming spaghetti to a succulent leg of turkey. A separate bowl holds a perfectly poached salmon, delicately drizzled with a flavorful sauce. Biscuits filled with creamy white filling and blueberries rest between steaming meals.

     Everyone indulges in the feast. They savour bites of chunky bread with a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup. Laughter erupts as they drink wine and tea, enjoying the delightful flavours. Some spears their forks into tender, dark brown steaks before relishing each mouthwatering bite. The faint sounds of clinking cutlery and satisfied murmurs fill the room and its corners.

     Unexpectedly, as Sophia delicately sips her tea, a blindfold suddenly wraps around her eyes. Startled yet amused, she cannot help but burst into laughter. Rising from her seat, she stretches her arms and wiggles her hands playfully, attempting to catch anyone nearby.

"Hey!" she laughed.

     Sophia's friends chuckle as they step aside. They move away and watch Sophia wander around with a blindfold covering her eyes. Suddenly, Sophia sprints to her right, accidentally bumping her head onto a wall and falling to the floor.

"Ow!" Sophia shrieked.

     After the brief mishap, everyone gathers on the side of the room with their eyes locked on Sophia as she holds a long wooden bat. Looking up, Sophia sees an ornamental figure made of colourful papers—a piñata. With the piñata slowly lowering, Sophia giggles and swings the bat in one blow, causing a shower of shiny bronze coins to spill onto the ground. Cheers flood the room as everyone scrambles and collects money.

     Afterwards, everyone returned to their seats around the dining table, engaging in cheerful conversations and friendly chats. Suddenly, a spark ignited on the candles adorning the cake. Sophia gasped and beamed a glistening smile. Overwhelmed with joy, she stood up, holding back tears of happiness. Closing her eyes momentarily, she took a deep breath before blowing out the candle.

Everyone burst into cheers and applause, jumping up in excitement. "Hey!" they laughed.

     The sun had finally hidden below the horizon, transforming the once bright blue sky into a vast, dark void speckled with shimmering stars. The lively and boisterous celebration had given way to a quiet and solemn atmosphere. Outside the grand mansion, a carriage patiently awaited.

     The carriage's coachman hops from his seat. He then grabs two suitcases from the sidewalk and carefully places them inside the vehicle. He then collects the last two larger bags and secures them inside.

     Meanwhile, Sophia stood on the sidewalk, wearing a maroon-red dress with a brown belt embellished with a golden buckle under her bust. Her skirt hung to the ground, partially concealing her black shoes. She wrapped a fichu around her neck, providing comfort against the chilly evening air. A fuzzy bonnet that complemented the colours of her outfit lay on her head, concealing her golden curls.

     Sophia sighs as she slowly turns around. She glances from left to right, seeing Oliver, Frederick, Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah and Bethany. Lowering her glance, Sophia takes a step forward and hugs Oliver. Slowly, Oliver hugs back, feeling Sophia's warm chest pressing against his.

     Sophia pulls back from Oliver and hugs Gregory. She lets go of Gregory and embraces Edgar, closing her eyes. She then turns towards Sarrah and wraps her arms around her. As she lets go of her hug, she proceeds to Bethany and cuddles her. Finally, she stood before Frederick, bowing her head as a gesture of respect.

     With a heavy heart, Sophia directed her attention towards the waiting carriage. She ascended the steps and entered the vehicle, closing the door behind her. She locked eyes with her friends through the window and smiled as she nodded.

     As the carriage rolled over, the rhythmic thud of horse hooves resonated on the concrete street, accompanied by the gentle hum of the wheels. Oliver watched intently as the vehicle receded into the distance. His gaze remained fixed on it as he smiled. However, a bittersweet sensation tugged at his heart, causing him to sigh and lower his head.