" Rumi? Rumi, wake up! It's a special day today!" A soft, loving voice whispered into her ear.

Rumi groaned and turned over.

The voice chuckled. " That's my girl. She hates early mornings."

Rumi peeked from one eye. Lloyd was sitting next to her, smiling.

" Good morning, sunshine. Happy birthday!" He said, gently kissing her head.

Rumi smiled sleepily and said, "Morning, Lloyd."

" Wake up, Rumi! It's your birthday!"

Now Rumi opened both eyes. " Oh, yes! Happy birthday to me!" She cheered, pushing herself out of bed. She wobbled a bit, but steadied herself out.

" Easy, Rumi. Take it easy." Lloyd gently guided her to the bathroom. " I'll be in the kitchen."

Rumi nodded, and closed the door. She freshened up, and put on a green dress with small rhinestones. Pink leggings and black Mary Janes were on her feet. She braided her hair and put a bow on it.

Rumi took a moment to admire herself in the mirror, feeling a little spark of excitement bubble up inside her. She smoothed down the fabric of her green dress, the rhinestones catching the light just enough to make her smile. The pink leggings added a playful touch, while the black Mary Janes completed the look. The braid in her hair, tied with a neat bow, made her feel both special and ready for the day ahead.

Once she was satisfied, Rumi opened the bathroom door and stepped out into the hallway. The scent of something delicious wafted from the kitchen, making her stomach rumble in anticipation. She made her way down the hallway, her footsteps light as she hummed a little tune to herself.

As she entered the kitchen, she saw Lloyd busy at the stove, flipping pancakes with a focused expression. The table was already set, with a small vase of fresh flowers in the center and a few wrapped presents off to the side. Rumi's eyes lit up at the sight.

"Are those for me?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

Lloyd turned around with a grin. "Of course! But first, breakfast. I made your favorite—pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream."

Rumi clapped her hands together in delight and took a seat at the table. Lloyd brought over a stack of pancakes, topping them with a generous helping of strawberries and a swirl of whipped cream. He set the plate in front of her, along with a glass of orange juice.

"Thank you, Lloyd!" Rumi said, digging into her breakfast with enthusiasm. The pancakes were as delicious as she remembered, the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly balanced with the fluffy pancakes.

Lloyd sat down across from her, watching her enjoy her meal with a contented smile. "So, any special plans for today?" he asked.

Rumi thought for a moment, her eyes twinkling. "I think I just want to spend the day with you. Maybe we can go to the park, or the arcade... and then come back for cake and presents!"

Lloyd nodded, pleased with her simple yet fun plans. "Sounds perfect. We'll make it the best birthday ever."

Rumi beamed at him, her heart full of happiness. "I know it will be, because you're here with me."

After finishing her breakfast, Rumi leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. Lloyd wiped his hands on a dish towel and walked over to her, a hint of excitement in his eyes.

"Hey, Rumi," he began, his voice filled with anticipation, "I found this amazing waterfall not too far from here. I thought we could check it out today. What do you think?"

Rumi's eyes lit up with excitement. "A waterfall? That sounds awesome! Can we paddle on the waterfall?"

Lloyd started to nod, then suddenly froze, his eyes widening in surprise. "Wait, what?! Paddle on the waterfall?" He blinked, trying to process what she had just said.

Rumi giggled at his reaction. "Yeah! You know, like in a boat or something. It would be so much fun!"

Lloyd let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his head. "Uh, I was thinking more along the lines of hiking to it and maybe having a picnic nearby. Paddling on a waterfall might be a little... risky."

Rumi shrugged, still grinning. "Okay, but it would have been cool!"

Lloyd chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "You sure know how to keep things interesting, Rumi. But how about we settle for hiking to the waterfall and maybe dipping our toes in the water? I promise it'll still be fun."

Rumi nodded eagerly. "That sounds great, Lloyd! As long as we get to see the waterfall, I'm happy."

Lloyd smiled, relieved that she was on board with the safer plan. "Awesome. Let's get our stuff ready, and we'll head out in a bit. It'll be an adventure, just the two of us."

Rumi hopped up from her seat, excitement bubbling over. "I can't wait! It's going to be the best birthday ever!"

As they started gathering their things, Lloyd couldn’t help but smile at Rumi's boundless enthusiasm. He knew that, with her by his side, even a simple hike would turn into a day full of joy and memories.

........

Thirty minutes later, Lloyd and Rumi arrived at the picturesque spot by the waterfall. The sound of cascading water filled the air, and the lush greenery surrounding them added to the tranquility of the scene. Lloyd quickly set up the picnic basket on a large rock near the water’s edge, spreading out a blanket and arranging the snacks.

Meanwhile, Rumi was captivated by the natural beauty of the place. She took out her camera and eagerly started snapping photos of the waterfall and the fish leaping gracefully from the water. The sunlight sparkled off the surface, creating a magical effect that made her smile with delight.

Lloyd looked up from arranging the picnic and watched Rumi with affection. "Are you getting some good shots?" he called out.

Rumi glanced over her shoulder, her face alight with enthusiasm. "Definitely! This place is amazing. Look at how clear the water is, and those fish are incredible!"

Lloyd finished setting up the picnic and walked over to join her. "It really is beautiful. I’m glad you like it."

Rumi beamed at him, still focused on her camera. "Thank you for bringing me here, Lloyd. It’s the perfect birthday spot."

He smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "I’m glad you think so. Why don’t we take a break and enjoy the picnic? We can come back here after and explore some more."

Rumi nodded enthusiastically. "Sounds great! Let me just get a few more pictures, and then we can eat."

Lloyd spread out the picnic blanket and arranged the food. The gentle breeze and the soothing sounds of nature created a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for a memorable birthday celebration.

" Come on, Rumi! Lunch is served!" Lloyd took out burgers and fries and watermelon and chocolate.

" Oh, yippie!" Rumi set the camera down as she sat on the mat, and they dug in.

Lloyd and Rumi enjoyed their picnic, savoring the delicious burgers, crispy fries, juicy watermelon, and rich chocolate. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they relished their meal amidst the natural beauty of the waterfall.

Once they had finished and packed up, Lloyd suggested a hike to explore the area further. Rumi eagerly agreed, and they set off along a winding trail. Their sneakers crunched on the twigs and leaves scattered along the path, and the gentle rustling of the trees accompanied their steps.

As they hiked deeper into the woods, Rumi’s keen eyes caught sight of something small and furry near the base of a tree. She stopped and pointed. "Lloyd, look! Is that a bunny?"

Lloyd glanced in the direction she was pointing and saw a tiny bunny sitting among the underbrush. It looked lost and a bit frightened, its big eyes darting around as it twitched its nose.

Rumi approached slowly, her movements gentle to avoid scaring the little creature. "Hey there, little guy," she cooed softly. She extended her hand cautiously, and the bunny sniffed at her fingers before tentatively moving closer.

Lloyd watched with a smile. "It seems like you’ve made a new friend."

Rumi nodded, her eyes full of concern. "Poor thing looks like it’s lost. We should try to help it find its way back."

Carefully, she scooped up the bunny and cradled it in her hands. "Let’s see if we can find its family or at least make sure it’s safe."

Together, Lloyd and Rumi continued their hike, keeping an eye out for any signs of the bunny’s family. They walked through the forest, following small trails and looking around carefully. The gentle murmur of the stream nearby and the chirping of birds created a peaceful backdrop to their search.

After a short while, they came across a small clearing with several other bunnies playing together. Rumi’s face lit up with joy as she saw the little bunny’s ears perk up and its nose twitch excitedly, and Lloyd took pictures.

"This must be its family!" Rumi said, her voice full of relief.

Gently, she set the bunny down near the group, and it quickly scampered towards its kin, disappearing into the soft grass. Rumi watched with a satisfied smile, feeling happy to have helped the little creature find its way home.

Lloyd put a hand on her shoulder. "You did a great job, Rumi. I’m proud of you."

Rumi smiled up at him. "Thanks, Lloyd. That was really special."

As they continued their hike, Rumi and Lloyd came across a curious sight. Lloyd suddenly stopped and pointed. "Woah, look at that!"

Rumi turned her gaze and saw a chicken pecking at the ground a short distance away. It seemed to be alone and out of place in the forest.

"That’s not..." Rumi began, but Lloyd interrupted.

"I don’t think so. I mean, Uncle’s chicken doesn’t leave the monastery," Lloyd said, squinting at the bird.

Rumi frowned in thought, "Good. But just in case, we should run in the other direction."

Lloyd nodded in agreement, and they carefully but quickly started to walk away from the chicken. As they put some distance between themselves and the bird, Rumi glanced back to make sure they weren’t being followed.

"Better safe than sorry," Lloyd said with a chuckle. "We wouldn’t want any surprises."

Rumi laughed softly and nodded. "Yeah, let’s stick to safer paths."

After their eventful hike, Rumi and Lloyd returned to the waterfall. They found a comfortable spot near the edge and took off their sneakers, dipping their feet into the cool, refreshing water.

"Feels great," Rumi sighed contentedly as the water gently lapped against her feet.

Lloyd smiled and leaned back, resting his head against the nearby rocks. "It really does. Perfect end to a perfect day."

Rumi leaned on Lloyd, feeling the warmth of his presence. Lloyd reached out and placed a gentle hand on her head, a gesture of comfort and affection.

"Thanks for today, Lloyd. It’s been wonderful," Rumi said, her voice soft with gratitude.

Lloyd looked at her with a warm smile. "I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy birthday, Rumi."

They sat there for a while, enjoying the tranquility and each other’s company, before realizing it was getting late.

As the afternoon sun grew hotter, Lloyd and Rumi decided it was the perfect time for a cool treat. They made their way to a nearby ice cream shop, the promise of cold, creamy indulgence enticing them both.

Upon entering the shop, they were greeted by the colorful array of flavors. Rumi’s eyes lit up as she scanned the menu, while Lloyd looked at her with a grin.

“Any favorites?” Lloyd asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

Rumi pondered for a moment before replying, “I think I’ll go for mint chocolate chip. And maybe try a scoop of strawberry too!”

“Sounds great. I’ll have a double scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough and vanilla,” Lloyd said as they approached the counter.

They ordered their ice creams and took their cones to a nearby bench outside the shop. Rumi eagerly licked her mint chocolate chip ice cream, the coolness providing a delightful contrast to the summer heat.

“Delicious!” she exclaimed.

Lloyd savored his ice cream as well, enjoying the simple pleasure of the cold treat on a hot day. They sat together, chatting and enjoying their ice cream, the warmth of the day making the sweet indulgence even more satisfying.

As they finished, Lloyd asked, " how would you like to go under the water and see animals?"
.Rumi looked up. Is that a question?" she asked. " Yes!"

Lloyd smiled, thrilled by Rumi's enthusiasm. “Great! Follow me.”

They left the ice cream shop and made their way to a nearby dock. Lloyd led Rumi to a small boat, which was equipped with snorkel gear and wetsuits.

“Ready to dive in?” Lloyd asked as he helped Rumi into her wetsuit.

“Absolutely!” Rumi replied, adjusting her snorkel mask and diving fins.

They climbed into the boat, and Lloyd expertly maneuvered it to a secluded spot in the water where the visibility was clear. Once they were anchored, they put on their masks and flippers, and Lloyd gave Rumi a quick overview of how to use the snorkel.

“Just remember to breathe slowly through the snorkel and keep your head down to see the best view,” Lloyd instructed.

With a nod, Rumi slid into the water, her excitement bubbling over. Lloyd followed closely behind. As they swam, colorful fish darted around them, and Rumi marveled at the vibrant underwater world.

“Oh, look at that one!” she exclaimed, pointing to a school of bright yellow fish.

Lloyd grinned, swimming beside her. “This is what makes adventures like these so special.”

They spent the afternoon exploring the underwater wonders, discovering various marine creatures and enjoying the serene beauty of the underwater landscape. The experience was a perfect end to Rumi's birthday, filled with excitement and wonder.

* Few hours later*

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the water, Lloyd and Rumi swam back to the boat. They dried off and packed up their gear, reminiscing about their underwater adventure.

“That was amazing!” Lloyd said, his eyes shining with excitement. “I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”

“Yeah, it was incredible!” Rumi agreed, still buzzing from the experience. “Thank you for the best birthday ever.”

With the boat loaded and ready, they headed back to the shore. The sky transitioned to shades of pink and purple as they made their way home.

As they approached their destination, Rumi glanced at Lloyd and said, “I really appreciate everything today. It’s been perfect.”

Lloyd smiled warmly. “I’m glad to hear that. You deserved a special day.”

They arrived home as the stars began to twinkle in the evening sky. The day had been filled with adventure and joy, making it a birthday Rumi would always remember.

Inside the cozy, softly-lit living room, Lloyd turned to Rumi with a playful grin. The atmosphere was filled with the lingering scents of the ice cream and the warmth of their day’s adventures.

“Okay, Rumi,” Lloyd said, his excitement evident. “Time for the actual drama. Gifts and cake! What do you want to do first?”

Rumi’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. She bounced slightly on her heels, clearly torn between the two. “Oh, that’s a tough one! I think I’m more excited about the cake right now!”

Lloyd chuckled, heading towards the kitchen. “Alright, then. Cake it is!”

He opened the kitchen door to reveal a beautifully decorated cake sitting on the counter. The cake was covered in a layer of pastel-colored frosting with intricate floral designs and a single candle flickering in the center. Rumi’s eyes widened in delight as she took in the sight.

“Oh, wow! It’s beautiful, Lloyd!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement.

Lloyd beamed as he set the cake down on the dining table. “I’m glad you like it. I made sure to get your favorite flavor—chocolate with strawberry filling.”

Rumi’s face lit up with joy. “You know me so well! Let’s light the candle and make a wish!”

Lloyd handed her a match and helped her light the candle. Rumi closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and made her wish. Then she looked up, grinning widely.

“Okay, time to dig in!” she said, reaching for a knife to cut the cake.

As Lloyd served slices of the cake, the rich chocolate aroma filled the room. They each took a bite, savoring the sweet, creamy taste. Rumi’s eyes closed in bliss as she enjoyed every moment.

“This is the best cake ever,” she said between bites. “Thank you, Lloyd.”

Lloyd smiled, clearly pleased. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

Once they had finished the cake, Lloyd wiped his hands and said, “Now, for the gifts!”

Rumi’s excitement bubbled up again. She followed Lloyd to the living room where a neatly wrapped pile of gifts awaited her. Each present was wrapped in colorful paper with ribbons tied on top.

“Which one first?” Lloyd asked, motioning to the gifts.

Rumi carefully chose a medium-sized box and began unwrapping it. Inside, she found a beautifully crafted leather journal with her name engraved on the cover. Her eyes widened in surprise and joy.

“This is amazing! I’ve always wanted a journal like this!” she exclaimed, running her fingers over the embossed letters.

“I’m glad you like it,” Lloyd said, watching her with a warm smile. “I thought it would be perfect for all your adventures and memories.”

Rumi hugged the journal to her chest. “Thank you so much! I love it.”

She then turned her attention to the next gift, a smaller box with a hint of sparkle. Inside, she found a delicate necklace with a charm shaped like a star.

“Oh, this is so pretty!” she said, holding it up to the light. “It’s exactly my style.”

Lloyd nodded, pleased with her reaction. “I thought it would be a nice touch to remember today by.”

Rumi’s face was aglow with happiness as she looked at the necklace and journal. “You really outdid yourself, Lloyd. This has been the best birthday ever.”

Lloyd reached out and gave her a gentle hug. “I’m glad you had a great time. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

Rumi smiled as she held her hand out. " May I have this dance?"

And they danced the night away.