The unexpected singing of happy birthday by the audience was one thing, but the clanging sound of the cymbals in Lucas' hands is on a 'nother level. He just grinned cheekily, handing the cymbals to Aubrey as if it's such a normal thing that you see everyday.

          "What?" Aubrey asked, her voice hushed. She just stared at the percussion instrument, her hands staying by her side. Her eyebrows furrowed as she switched her gaze to Lucas.

          "What do you mean 'what'? It's your birthday present, you goof." Lucas then flashed her a peace sign. "You finally evolved! You can now play one note in a 1 hour symphony, and even if you miss the conductor's cue you'll still get paid! Isn't it amazing?"

          It was so dumb and unnecessary, but she couldn't bring to burst his tiny bubble of happiness. Besides, he got her a gift, she should be thankful, even if the gift is kind of unusual.

          Aubrey let out a giggle, something she wasn't able to do during the past few days. I mean, that's something you don't see everyday. With a sigh, she said, "Thanks, Lu."

          She took a moment to go to her room in their hotel, placing the cymbals beside her luggage. Lucas was left in his room beside hers, telling her that he's going to take care of some business. Whatever that is. When she finished packing, she heard Lucas' thundering voice as he burst through her door, screeching like a madman.

          "Time for the 2nd phase of your birthday surprise!! Let's go!"

          Aubrey wasn't able to utter a word when Lucas dragged her out of the room, marching to an unknown place. They hit the busy streets of Italy, the lives of the people seen by both. There were some live performances around, such as a person singing a song while strumming the guitar, and a person who's dancing like a robot.She joined in sometimes, usually after being dragged by Lucas, but the short lived moment was enough to make her giddy. A few minutes of observing people and walking, they arrived at a skating rink, where Lucas handed Aubrey a pair of gloves and a scarf as well as skates.

          The snow white floors greeted her, and Aubrey felt a chill run down her spine as she grabbed her coat and held it tightly, as if doing it could bring some sort of warmth. She looked down on her hands wearing the gloves Lucas gave her, and then at the skates on her feet that made it impossible for her to even stand up. She sighed, eyes glancing at Lucas who had his hand stretched out, feet planted firmly on the ground.

           Slowly, her trembling hand reached for his, and in a flash she was dragged into the skating rink. Aubrey gasped and extended her arm, fingers curling up to grab the railings desparately. It was only for a few minutes, but as she clung to the railings for life, she can only hear her overly fast heartbeat. It was deafening.

           She gazed up at Lucas, eyes pleading, as if begging to spare her and have mercy. But alas, Lucas only gave her a smirk, the message unclear. She gulped and forced the lump down her throat as she shook her head.

          "I promise I'll be with you."

          Those words rang in her ears, making her breath uneven. Her dark orbs as black as her heart cut eye contact. Aubrey couldn't be more unsure of what to do. She's afraid, terrified even, but the way his calm voice danced its way to her eardrums put her at ease.

          With a reluctant sigh, she nodded. The remaining hours of the day was spent with Lucas teaching Aubrey how to skate. There was a lot of complaining, falling and bumping, but it finally ended. After a while, Aubrey sat down at the bench as Lucas went around the rink, feet gliding, arms swinging. It's like a fairy dancing, flying through the sky. The sight mesmerised her, but it was time to go.

          They got up and went out. It was only for a few hours, but to Aubrey, it felt like an eternity. She exhaled. Her eyes stared at Lucas and she stopped.

          "Did you have fun?"

          The wind blew, making her purple dress sway dramatically along with her brown locks. She could only see his back as he faced the town before them, not even glancing to look at her reaction. Aubrey didn't utter a word, nor make even the tiniest bit of sound. She just stood there, lips closed shut.

          Lucas suddenly turned, making her flinch in surprise. The way he held her hand made her relax, but before he could even open his mouth, Aubrey hushed him by putting a finger on his soft lips. Then, she smiled.

          "Thank you."

          Her words finally cut through the deep silence between them and before they knew it, the colors around them brightened. There wasn't much that needs to be said, so they continued their journey back with tranquility.

          They arrived at the hotel and bid each other good night, before going to their respective rooms. Aubrey looked at the window overlooking the streets, before collapsing on her bed. She was beyond exhausted, but she made the effort to turn her head to the side, eyes glued on the calendar before her which was illuminated by the lights outside.

          Even though it pained her, she managed a weak smile, the date now embedded in her mind. Right, it's coming. The day where everything falls apart.

          She closed her eyes, a single tear still managing to escape as she buried her face on the pillow. Why now? Why?

          Why does she have to say goodbye?