Ivan, the vice president of HAG, surveyed the lively scene at Blissful Airport, checking his watch. Thirty minutes had passed. The driver was late. Just as he considered finding a seat, a white Toyota Camry rolled to a stop nearby.
The driver lowered the window. "Ivan Lee?" he inquired.
"Yes," Ivan responded, assuming, "You're here to pick me up."
"Precisely," the driver replied, his voice clipped.
"Then perhaps you could assist with my luggage, given your tardiness," Ivan suggested.
"My apologies, Ivan, but I'm not your driver. I'm here to meet you. That's all." He paused, studying Ivan's face with a curious look.
Ivan was taken aback by the driver's boldness, his expression unreadable.
"Ivan, are you with us?" The driver snapped his fingers.
"Huh?" Ivan blinked, startled.
The driver glanced at his watch. "If you don't mind, let's load the luggage swiftly. I'm on a tight schedule."
Ivan, though irritated, said nothing. He loaded the luggage and settled into the car. With a "voom," they were gone.
Their destination was a towering structure, emblazoned with "HAG Shipping Company Welcomes You." The company was impressive, a clear symbol of progress and advancement. It possessed all the hallmarks of a developed and thriving enterprise.
The car settled in the garage, parked near the chairman's vehicle. Ivan was the first to exit.
"Care for coffee tonight?" he offered.
"Busy tonight, perhaps another time," He replied, tossing the keys. Ivan caught them.
As he entered the building, he saw the security guard from their previous encounter. A smile and a quick nod passed between them. The guard offered a warm welcome.
The conference room erupted in applause as Ivan entered.
"Thank you for the recognition you've brought to HAG. We remain the leading team," the chairman announced with a smile.
"I also congratulate each of you for your dedication. Without you, this wouldn't have been possible. Thank you for your support," Ivan said, stepping onto the platform.
He raised his glass. "Cheers to the president and to team HAG!"
"Cheers!" the room echoed, glasses raised in unison.
The celebration was in full swing when the vice president shared the news. A 50% bonus for every employee, it's a courtesy of the CEO.
"We love you, President! Mwah, mwah, mwah!" a woman cheered, overcomed with joy.
The day had taken its toll, and as he walked in, he found Lucas sprawled on the couch, exhaustion etched across his features. A single arm hung limply, a stark contrast to the comfort the couch offered. The scene was a snapshot of vulnerability, a moment of unguarded repose.
His attention was immediately drawn to a sketchbook on the table, open to a page that mirrored Lucas's sleeping form.
It was a silent invitation, a story waiting to be told. Without a word, he gathered the book and, instead of retreating to his own space, found himself drawn to Sunshine's door.
He entered without hesitation, the unspoken connection between them broke a silent permission.
"Do I need to knock?" he asked, settling into a chair.
A shared smile passed between them, a recognition of the unspoken bond. "Can we go somewhere?" he asked, the question hanging in the air, filled with longing.
"I'm glad," she replied, "I won't waste any opportunity since you've caged me here like bird."
"Seriously?" he questioned, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
"Yeah," she confirmed, a nervous energy now taking hold.
"Follow me," he instructed, the command laced with a strange mix of anticipation and control.
He blindfolded her, the world reduced to an echoing void. "What are you doing?" she asked, but her words were met with silence.
The only sounds were the rhythmic beeping and the subtle creaks that accompanied their steps. He guided her to a table, the chairs arranged in a welcoming circle. The chair was soft, the texture of the wool a comforting presence.
"Can I take off the blindfold now?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
She removed the blindfold and gasped. "Is this real?" she whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. The space was a vibrant tapestry of green grass, the fiery hues of red maples, and the graceful sway of weeping willows.
A glass shelter, shaped like a house, stood proudly nearby. A large swimming pool beckoned, a diverse zoo, a horse range, and a vibrant garden, all bathed in a soft, artificial light. A summer hat, poised by the poolside, suggested an invitation to relax.
A grand ballroom, capable of hosting 100 people, dominated the glass house, complete with a fully stocked bar.
"What is this place? Heaven knows how big this place really is." She wondered, her voice laced with a mixture of awe and apprehension.
"We're here to paint," he replied, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "I like the way you sketched Lucas, perhaps I would like to be sketched too." He placed the art supplies on the table, waiting for her response.
"Perhaps you might want to get the correct sketch of me."
He began unbuttoning his shirt.
"No, no, just pose and I'll sketch you," she said, waving her hands. He smiled at her reaction and nodded.
"Alright, I prefer you sketch me with my favorite boy, 'Blackout'."
Sunshine was confused. She looked around, but they were alone. At the mention of his name, a light brown horse with a black strip on its face neighed, turning its head towards him.
He played with the horse and posed for her.
He a gasped after seeing the painting.
"This is beautiful. I'll take this up," he assured her. "But why Blackout for a brown horse?" she asked,but her question hanging in the air.
"I have to go somewhere," he said, checking his watch.
He blindfolded her once more, and they ascended. The portrait of the sketch was hung in Hansen's room.