Atlas reminded everyone with their plan. He can't afford any mistakes. He patiently waited for this time to come.
The package he ordered just arrived this morning. It was a one step to their plan.
"Everything settled?" he asked his mother.
His mother nodded which gave him relief. Atlas was distracted when his phone rang. He answered the call without seeing the name of the caller.
"Hello?"
The caller faked a cough. "Am I disturbing you Mister Atlas?" his eyes got bigger when he recognized the voice of the caller.
"No. You aren't disturbing me, Miss Serene. So why did you call me?" he asked.
Atlas heard the sound of music on her background. "No particular reason." she uttered.
"You takin' a break?" he asked her again.
She laughed. "Well yeah, writer's block. You probably heard the music." Serene stated.
She always want instrumental music on her background while writing. She said it makes her more comfortable.
They talked over things. Both of them decided to stop calling because they still need to be early tomorrow.
It will be Serene's birthday tomorrow and they'll be going to celebrate it in one of the famous gardens which is far from their place.
Dawn came and they'll be leaving in a few minutes. Others were on the van while Serene was with Atlas.
"How long will be the ride?" she asked when they left.
"Probably a three-hour drive. You should take a nap." Atlas answered.
Serene nodded and took a nap. He was itching to greet her a happy birthday but he maintained himself.
Atlas proceeded with their plan. When she woke up, he told her that they were lost and he can't contact the others.
"We should ask." Serene said and started to talk with random people.
Atlas prevented himself from laughing because he really knows the way. He just needs to follow the plan.
"I've been driving around for an hour now." he said which is practically true. He can see how frustrated she was.
Suddenly, her phone rang. She answered it and told Atlas that they were already there. They also helped them with directions.
After they were back on the main road, he continued driving for two hours, until they arrived on their destination.
"I'm sorry, we spent five hours travelling." Atlas sincerely apologized. She said it was okay.
She waited for him to park his car. "Let's go." Atlas said. They went inside the pavilion together.
Serene was surprised to see her relatives and friends there. They sang 'Happy Birthday'. Teary-eyed, she looked at Atlas.
"Is it your plan all along?" she asked.
Atlas chuckled and then smiled. "Happy birthday Serene." he greeted and hugged her.
There was a program held on the pavilion until sunset. She received greetings, messages and also gifts.
Slowly, her visitors were gone one by one. They said goodbye to her until her parents were only the ones left with her in the pavilion.
They held both of her hands and lead her to the back door. When she opened the door, there were her visitors forming a path holding different colors of balloons.
She walked towards where the path was leading. Serene burst into tears when she saw the silhouette of Atlas sitting on a swing with the overview of the sea.
Atlas turned and assisted Serene to sit beside her. "You may be wondering where my gift is." he jokingly said.
"This is my gift for you." he uttered as he gave the glasses to her.
She stared at it for a while. "What is this, Atlas? The sun sets already. I don't need to wear this." she stated.
"Just wear it, Serene."
She had no choice but to wear it. Sobs were heard from Serene. She stared at the setting sun with tears flowing from her eyes.
"I wanted to show you the beauty of the world I see everyday." Atlas told her.
Lights were turned on. Serene turned around to see their visitors holding different colors of balloons. Flowers also surrounded them. On the branches of trees were their photos together.
"Thank you, Atlas!"
A photo of a man and a woman on the swing was taken. It is a picture of tranquility and fulfillment.
At last, it was serene.
