Lando wanted to spend his birthday only with his closest friends and away from everyone else, so he invited a few people for a trip together. This time, he didn't want a big party like in previous years. You joked with him about it, saying he was starting to get old. You had been friends for years, but this was the first birthday of his in at least five years that you attended.

You played water volleyball, drank, ate, and had a great time. Late in the evening, it was just the two of you left. You were sitting on lounge chairs by the pool.

“Thank you for changing your plans and being here with me,” he said as he reached out his hand and took yours. “Your presence is the best gift ever.”