24th of August.
It was Silas’ birthday.
But to Silas, it was nothing that special. He was used to not celebrating his birthday anymore since things became hard for him and his sister. Even when their condition had improved, Silas opted to not have any celebration because they had orphans to take care of. Giving them even a small celebration would make them so happy.
He couldn’t forget that girl’s smile when he gave her a cake and celebrated her birthday with him secretly when midnight hit. In the morning, everyone had a small celebration for her, but to him, her smile that night was many times better than her smile in front of everyone.
Even though she was gone, Silas still couldn’t forget it and promised to give the other orphans a proper celebration. For her sake. It was his way of honoring that precious memory with her.
And the last time Silas celebrated his birthday was when that girl was still there. Because she was his closest friend and even when Silas told her that he didn’t really celebrate his birthday on purpose, she still tried to have a small celebration with him.
Oddly, he didn’t find that annoying. He found that endearing instead.
“Happy birthday, Silas. I found you something that you’d like, here.”
As usual, his sister gave him a birthday present that morning. He only said he didn’t want to really celebrate it, but getting a present from his sister… well, that was fine.
“Thanks, Sis,” Silas smiled as he received his sister’s present.
“Ah, about today… We’re running out of a few supplies, can you go to the downtown to get them for me?” Grace suddenly asked.
“Sure, do I need to bring someone else with me?” Silas asked, since it was usual for Grace to ask Silas to tutor some new volunteers with the task of purchasing items for the orphanage. So when Silas couldn’t, someone could fill the role for him. Perhaps his sister wanted to train that newcomer…? She seemed reliable although he found her a little bit weird at first.
“No need,” Grace said, contrary to Silas’ expectations.
“Alright then,” Silas took the note that Grace wrote.
Silas went to get ready and eat breakfast together with the others before he left. The timing was just perfect, for when he opened the front door, Ann was there, about to knock.
“Ah…!” Ann was surprised. Her mind was full of the plan she had to commence today. Then, when the target of the plan suddenly appeared in front of her, she was very, very surprised.
“?” Silas didn’t understand why she would be this surprised, but he said, “Get inside, I’m heading out to buy supplies. Be good.”
“Don’t worry,” Ann said as she nodded and entered the building. Faye followed behind her. As Faye followed Ann, she turned her head a bit to look at Silas.
Arlea-sama and this man’s exchange just now… Why do I find it odd?
Faye thought, but since she was unable to find what exactly was odd, she just let the thought slip.
Meanwhile, Silas stepped out of the room and closed the door when Ann and Faye had entered the building.
To be fair, none of them noticed that Silas and Ann’s exchange were like a couple’s exchange as the husband was leaving for work, leaving the wife at home with the children… The husband told the wife ‘be good’ and the wife reassured him…
Grace told Silas before he left that he could take his time walking around the town, for today was his birthday.
Oh well, it won’t hurt to take my time sometimes…
And so, Silas walked leisurely while looking for the supplies Grace had written. There weren’t that many items listed, but they had to be bought from different stores, so he ended up walking around the town anyway.
By the time he was done, it was almost lunch time. The moment he realized it, Silas panicked a little because he thought he ought to be helping with lunch.
Silas quickened his pacing while his mind was worried whether the orphanage could have the lunch on time or not.
He panted when he reached the front door. Running while carrying a bunch of stuff sure was an intense workout.
Opening the front door, he walked quickly towards the storage room to store the supplies first. Then, he walked all the way to the kitchen. During his way there, he felt that it was a little bit odd… It was quiet…?
“Aaah!”
Silas stopped when he heard the voice that he had become familiar with. It was the younger volunteer, Faye. She was running in the hall, carrying something. But she stopped and screamed when she came across him.
“What’s wrong? Do you need help to carry that?” Silas asked.
“No, it’s f-fine! More importantly, Silas-san…”
“Silas is fine, you’re still not used to calling me by my name?”
“…Silas… Uhm, what are you doing here?”
“Huh? I’m going to the kitchen to help them preparing lunch.”
“Huh? Oh… We’re already done preparing for lunch.”
“Really? That’s good,” Silas felt relieved.
“Yes, so you can go directly to the dining hall… But not now!!” Faye was surprised when she realized she had raised her voice reflexively.
“Why not?”
“B-because… Silas, you’re sweating a lot! Shouldn’t you get changed first?” Faye came up with an excuse quickly.
“…You’re right. Alright then, I’ll go to change first,” Silas said as he turned to another direction.
Faye heaved a sigh.
But suddenly…
Silas ran past Faye, all the way o the dining hall’s direction.
“Eeeekh!!!” Faye was shocked silly by this sudden turn of events. More importantly, Silas was so quick! What should she do? The venue is not 100% ready yet for today’s star to enter…!
“Wait!!” Faye could only helplessly run after Silas.
When Silas was close to the dining hall, this time, he met with Ann.
“S-Silas! You’re back already? Y-you look tired and drenched! Why don’t you take a bath or get changed first? The food’s all ready, so…,” Ann cursed a lot in her heart. Just a little bit more and they would be done!! Why would this man come at this time, tch!
“Heee? You’re hiding something, aren’t you?” Silas raised his eyebrows. He was positive that there was something they were hiding from him…
“No, it’s nothing!” Ann quickly denied, but when Silas tried to walk past her to the dining hall’s door, Ann quickly obstructed him.
Silas went to the left, and Ann followed suit. To the right, and off she went. This exchange happened a few times before Ann was caught off guard and opened the door. At this time, Faye arrived and was panicking as well.
But too bad, the door was opened and Silas could see what was going on, despite Ann’s attempt to block him. After all, Silas was bigger than Ann.
“Ah…”
Even the children that were gathered there turned to look at the unexpected guest in a big surprise. All of them stopped whatever they were doing.
Silas scanned the room quickly and found several things that gave him some clues about what was going on.
The whole room was decorated, and there was a big childish writing on something that was hung up.
[Happy Silas Day!]Several tables were set up together and on top of them, Silas caught a glimpse of food…
This… Are they celebrating his birthday?!
Silas thought.
Meanwhile, everyone was frozen in silent, afraid of what Silas’ reaction would be…
And…
Their surprise…
It failed!!
