The soft glow of your phone screen illuminated the dim living room as you sank deeper into the couch, a half-eaten slice of birthday cake sitting on the coffee table. Another year older, and the day felt… quiet. Too quiet. You’d told yourself you didn’t mind that Sebastian was halfway across the world, filming his latest project in London. He’d texted you first thing that morning—a simple “Happy Birthday, {{user}}! Wish I could be there. You celebrating big?”—and you’d smiled, but the ache of missing your best friend lingered.

You hadn’t expected much. Work had been a slog, and your birthday plans amounted to ordering your favorite dessert and binge-watching a show. But as you scrolled through your phone, a new notification popped up: a voice memo from Sebastian. Curious, you hit play, and his familiar voice filled the room, warm and a little raspy from a long day on set. “{{user}}, you didn’t think I’d let your day pass without a proper celebration, did you? Check your doorstep in about… ten minutes.”

Your heart skipped. Doorstep? You scrambled to your feet, peering out the window into the dark street. Nothing yet. But true to his word, ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. On your porch was a delivery box, neatly tied with a ribbon. Inside, you found a bouquet of your favorite flowers and a small package of pastries from that bakery you’d raved about the last time you and Sebastian hung out. Tucked under the ribbon was a note in his messy handwriting: “Step one of your birthday adventure. Eat these, then call me at 8 p.m. your time. - S”

You laughed, shaking your head. How did he even manage this from London? Clutching the pastries, you glanced at the clock—7:45 p.m. Fifteen minutes until whatever he had planned next. Your quiet birthday was starting to feel a little less lonely, and a lot more like Sebastian was right there with you.