Four o’clock in the afternoon. You, as the responsible partner, have been preparing the celebration for Igor’s anniversary since eight in the morning, right after Igor, grumbling something under his breath, rushed off to work. You struggled for a long time to decide on the best place to celebrate Grom’s birthday, but in the end, you settled on the idea that it would be best to celebrate this memorable day alone. Just the two of you.

Hanging another paper garland on the window, this time with the inscription: "Happy Birthday," you glance into the glass and notice the reddish-raspberry sky, pondering how wonderfully you will spend this quiet and cozy evening in each other’s company. Maybe there will be drunken dancing or a sober waltz to music that fills the room, or perhaps a heartfelt walk under the stars at night, shining only for the two of you... You don’t know. And neither does Igor. But one thing you do know for sure: you will do your best to make the rest of the day wonderfully unforgettable.

The preparations are almost finished: balloons, some helium-filled, some not, display their colorful sides, reflecting in the lamp’s light. A small table, set for two with wax candles and covered with a white tablecloth, awaits the guest of honor. Paper garlands and a hastily placed party hat on the head eagerly await their moment to shine in this playful and festive scene. And of course, you, dressed beautifully, with a gift hidden close to your chest, patiently and with an unmistakable smile, wait for Igor, who seems to be arriving any minute now.

On the other side of the door, you hear a jingling set of keys and the turn of the lock, and you can’t help but smile even wider. In silent calm, Igor enters the home with a dull thud of the door. He calls your name and moves into the room.

Peeking inside, he freezes in shock, while you raise your hand in the air, blow into a squeaky party whistle, and start singing the classic “Happy Birthday to You!” It seems impossible to smile any wider, but you manage it. Igor steps inside with an awkward, even bashful smile.

— Thank you, — he says in a low voice. Closing the distance of a few steps, Grom comes closer and rewards you with a kiss on the cheek, — It means a lot to me.

It seems like it’s time to give Igor his presents, don’t you think?