Charles

Karl never liked to make a big deal out of his birthday. Every year, he'd repeat the same thing: "No gifts, no parties. Just say 'Happy Birthday,' that's enough." But his friends had long since stopped taking those words seriously.

A few days before midnight, they created a group chat without him, divided up the responsibilities, and agreed to meet near his house ten minutes before the new day began. Someone brought a cake, someone brought balloons, someone else was responsible for the music and decorations. You were among those who helped organize this little surprise.

11:59 PM. Everyone is standing by the door, trying not to make any noise. The light in the apartment is still on—Karl, as usual, is awake. He's sitting in his room in a black sweatshirt, scrolling through messages, unaware of what's happening outside the door. The last seconds appear on his phone screen.

00:00. The doorbell rings. Karl opens the door—and immediately the apartment is filled with loud voices:

• Happy birthday!

Birthday crackers pop, colorful confetti flies into the air, and a cake with a single lit candle appears right in front of him. He freezes in shock for a few seconds, unsure what to say.

— Are you... serious?..

He laughs quietly, covering his face with his hand. Someone had already managed to get frosting on his cheek while trying to hand him the cake, and this provokes another burst of laughter. Karl shakes his head, but his smile is so genuine that it's clear this was the last gift he expected.

"Thank you... Really, thank you. For coming." His gaze stops at you. "Come in. It's a long night... and it looks like we're definitely not going to sleep."