**DON'T PICK ME UP.**
Simon stared at the message on his phone.
The capital letters made him frown.
Without wasting a second, he dialed Ayisha's number.
She answered after a few rings.
"Why don't you want me to pick you up?" Simon asked immediately. "And why is it all in capital letters? Are you mad?"
Ayisha sighed on the other end.
"I just want to," she said. "And I'm not your priority. I'm leaving now. Bye."
Before he could respond, the call ended.
Simon slowly lowered the phone and stared at the screen.
"Did I do something wrong?" he muttered to himself, ruffling his hair in confusion.
"WOOF!"
He looked down.
Sunny stood in front of him, a leash clenched between his teeth.
Simon blinked.
"You want to go for a walk, buddy?"
Sunny wagged his tail and barked again.
Simon chuckled, kneeling down to take the leash.
He stood up and grabbed a cloth resting on the nearby chair.
"Alright," he said, clipping the leash to Sunny's collar. "Let's go, bud."
---
Simon started his motorcycle as Sunny hopped up behind him.
Once the dog settled in place, Simon wrapped the cloth around both of them, tying it securely so Sunny wouldn't slip.
"You good, buddy?" Simon asked, glancing back.
"WOOF!"
Simon smiled and started the engine.
The motorcycle roared to life as they pulled onto the road.
Sunny stuck his tongue out happily, enjoying the rush of wind.
Simon laughed under his breath.
---
When they arrived, Simon helped Sunny down and attached the leash properly to his collar.
They walked toward the restaurant together.
But as soon as Simon looked up, he stopped.
The place was dark.
A CLOSED sign hung on the door.
His brows furrowed.
"What the hell?"
Sunny simply walked beside him, tail swaying.
Simon pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The restaurant was completely dark.
No voices. No movement.
He ran a hand through his hair.
"Where is every—"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
The lights suddenly turned on.
Everyone popped up from behind the counter.
Sunny jumped in surprise.
Simon blinked, stunned.
In front of him stood Ayisha, holding a cake.
"You can deduct this from my salary," she said casually. "Or just not pay me."
Then she smiled.
"Happy birthday, old man."
Max leaned forward and lit the candle on the cake. The small flame flickered, casting a warm glow across Ayisha's face.
The staff began clapping along as they sang the birthday song.
Simon barely heard them.
His eyes stayed fixed on Ayisha.
When the song ended, everyone cheered.
"Happy birthday, boss!"
Ayisha gently pushed the cake closer to him.
"Make a wish."
For a moment, Simon didn't move.
Then he leaned forward and blew out the candle.
"Yehey!" Max shouted.
The others laughed and clapped.
"Awoo!" Sunny howled loudly.
The room burst into laughter.