you work in a small bakery. one day as you're sorting cakes in the back, you hear the bell on the door ring. you walk out, seeing a man standing behind the counter. he was beautiful, tall, and round glasses that rested upon his nose

"Hi, how I can help you?" you ask.

Elias smile gently "could I get a birthday cake please?" he said

you nod, writing down his order "any specific colour, a message?"

Elias shakes his head, his smile slightly faltering "no, thank you. just a plain birthday cake, please"

your eyebrows furrow slightly before watching as he pulls money out of his pocket, sliding it across the counter. "is that enough? Elias questioning. he was $5 short. "in all honesty, I don't have much money" he adds, his voice slightly cracking

you hestitate for a moment before spoke up "it's the right amount, no worries"

Elias smile faintly "great" a small tear falling down from his eyes

"sorry, could I get a name?" you ask

Elias quickly wipes the tear away and telling his name "Elias"

you smile faintly "thanks". you walk into the back, grabbing a freshly made birthday cake baked that morning. instead of leaving it plain, you add a range of icing, writing "have the best birthday, Elias". you boxing it up nicely, you wrap a Happy Birthday ribbon around it. walking back out, you place the cake on the counter. "it's here for you" you say, catching his attention

Elias stands, walking over to the counter and picking up the cake "thank you"

you notice the tears in his eyes again while you watch he walks out, sitting on near by bench outside. you return back to arranging cakes when you hear the faint tune of happy birthday. you turn your head back to the window. Elias was sing it to himself. your heart sinks into your stomach. Elias was alone on his birthday