Birthday

The grocery store was bustling with activity as I navigated through the aisles, my cart filled with a variety of ingredients. Keith, my best friend, was accompanying me for the weekly grocery run, and as usual, he was in high spirits, cracking jokes and offering his usual brand of comedic commentary.

“So, Eli,” Keith began, pulling a bag of flour from the shelf and inspecting it with a critical eye, “I’ve got this birthday party coming up this weekend. Any suggestions for a gift? I’m drawing a blank here.”

I tilted my head, considering the question. “Well, you could go for something a bit more personal. Like, you know, a customized journal or a high-quality set of headphones. It’s always nice to have something that feels a bit special, especially if you know the person well.”

Keith nodded appreciatively. “That’s actually a good idea. I’ll have to remember that. It’s for a friend, so it should be something meaningful.”

We moved on to the produce section, where Keith began examining the apples with exaggerated scrutiny. “Speaking of birthdays,” he said, as he placed a few apples into the cart, “do you know when Grayson’s birthday is?”

The question caught me off guard. I was reaching for a bag of carrots when Keith’s words registered. My hand froze mid-air, and my mind went blank. “Wait, what?”

Keith glanced at me, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. “Grayson’s birthday. When is it?”

I blinked rapidly, my thoughts racing. “Oh no,” I mumbled, the realization dawning on me. “I— I can’t believe I forgot. Tomorrow is his birthday!”

Keith’s eyes widened in amusement, and he let out a hearty laugh. “Seriously? You forgot?”

I felt a wave of panic wash over me, and I turned towards the deli section, trying to compose myself. “I had no idea it was so close. I’ve been so wrapped up in work and other things that it just slipped my mind.”

Keith was practically doubling over with laughter, clearly enjoying my distress. “Well, it looks like you’ve got a bit of a time crunch. What are you going to do now?”

I sighed deeply, my mind already racing through possible solutions. “I need to find something special. Something that really shows how much I care. I mean, I can’t just—”

Keith interrupted, still grinning. “Relax. It’s not the end of the world. Think about what he likes. What are his hobbies or interests? That might help narrow it down.”

I nodded, trying to steady my breathing. “You’re right. I should focus on what he enjoys. He loves music, and he’s always been into cooking. Maybe I could combine those interests into something thoughtful.”

Keith’s smile softened, and he gave me an encouraging nod. “Sounds like a plan. And if you need any help, you know where to find me.”

As we continued our shopping, I was deep in thought, mentally piecing together a gift idea. Keith kept up his light-hearted chatter, but my mind was preoccupied with the task at hand. We moved through the aisles, gathering groceries and exchanging snippets of our daily lives.

“So, what about you?” I asked, trying to shift the focus away from my own panic. “How’s everything going with your new project?”

Keith’s face brightened. “Oh, it’s going well! We’re making some good progress, and I think it’s going to be a big success. I’ve been working on some new strategies and ideas, and it’s been really exciting.”

I listened, genuinely interested, as Keith detailed his latest project. It was a welcome distraction from my own mounting anxiety. As we reached the checkout line, I started making a mental list of potential gift ideas, trying to shake off the feeling of having dropped the ball.

After our groceries were packed and we said our goodbyes, I headed home, my mind still whirling. I rummaged through my closet, trying to find a gift that would feel both personal and meaningful. The clock was ticking, and I knew I needed to act quickly.

———

I bustled around the kitchen, the clatter of utensils and the hiss of the coffee maker blending into a comforting morning symphony. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Pancakes sizzled on the griddle, and the aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the air.

Gray strolled into the kitchen, his presence filling the space with his effortless charisma. His navy suit, impeccably tailored, fit him like a second skin, and his tie was a subtle but deliberate choice—perfectly knotted and complementing his suit. He glanced around, taking in the sight of breakfast laid out with care.

“Morning,” he said, his voice warm and relaxed. He leaned in to place a gentle kiss on my cheek. “You’re up early. Smells amazing in here.”

I gave him a playful smile, pouring him a steaming cup of coffee. “Morning. Thought I’d whip up something special for you. You’ve got a big day ahead, right?”

He nodded, settling into his chair at the table. “Yeah, a busy day at the office. Lots of meetings and a few new projects kicking off. But I’m looking forward to it. And this breakfast… well, it’s a great start.”

I placed a plate of pancakes in front of him, watching as he took a bite. “Glad you think so. What about you? What’s your plan for today?”

Gray took a sip of his coffee, considering my question. “Just the usual grind at the office. How about you? What’s your plan for today?”

I hesitated, mentally juggling the truth and a fabricated excuse. “Oh, just preparing for my first day on Monday. I’ve got some organizing and planning to do.”

Gray’s eyes twinkled with interest. “Sounds productive. We should definitely have dinner together tonight. It would be nice to unwind after the day.”

My heart raced at the thought. “Sure, that sounds great. I’ll cook something for us.”

He finished his breakfast, rising from his seat and heading towards the bedroom. “Looking forward to it. I’ll see you tonight.”

I watched him leave, a mixture of relief and anxiety settling over me. Once he was gone, I let out a long sigh. “Alright, Elina,” I muttered to myself. “You’ve got eight hours to turn this place into a celebration. Let’s get to work.”