Rex Goodwin was not a man who enjoyed celebrating his birthday. He preferred to focus on his work as the director of Sector Security and his secret plan to harness the power of the Crimson Dragon. He had no friends or family to share his special day with, except for his loyal assistant Lazar, who always tried to cheer him up.
This year, however, Lazar had a different idea. He knew that Rex had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. He also knew that Rex had always wanted a collie puppy when he was a child, but his older brother Roman had never allowed him to have one. So Lazar decided to surprise Rex with a gift he would never forget.
He contacted a reputable breeder and arranged for a floppy-eared, honey-colored collie puppy with warm brown eyes. He purchased a giant golden gift box and tied it with a bold red ribbon. Inside, he tenderly placed the excitable puppy along with a sincere handwritten note on a birthday card:
"Happy birthday, Director Goodwin. I hope this surprise gift will bring you joy and loyal companionship. Your faithful servant, Lazar."
On the morning of Rex's birthday, Lazar snuck into his meticulously organized office and positioned the large glimmering box prominently on the massive wooden desk. He then hid himself in the closet and anxiously awaited Rex's arrival.
Soon, Rex entered with his usual haughty air and immediately noticed the mysterious package. Puzzled yet intrigued, he stepped closer to inspect the opulent box and read the heartfelt note from Lazar, a faint smile crossing his normally stoic face.
Opening the box carefully, Rex gasped as the energetic collie puppy sprang up, furiously wagging its tail and lapping at his stunned face with its tiny wet tongue. Rex felt a swell of tender emotion long forgotten. He gently lifted the excited pup into his arms, holding it close as it snuggled against his chest, both contented with each other.
Rex turned to Lazar who emerged grinning. "You did this for me?" Rex asked, uncharacteristically touched.
"Yes sir, happy birthday," nodded Lazar.
"Thank you Lazar, this is...wonderful," Rex said softly, cradling the puppy who filled a void.
"I'm glad you like it, sir. I thought you could use some company," Lazar said, a hopeful glimmer in his eyes as he watched Rex's reaction closely.
"I appreciate it, Lazar. You are very kind," Rex said in a rare gentle tone, his usual stern demeanor softening as he continued cradling the puppy.
"What will you name him, sir?" Lazar asked eagerly.
Rex paused, gazing thoughtfully at the collie's sweet face. He remembered his childhood dream of having a collie companion named Lassie, just like the one on his favorite TV show growing up. Those fantasies had seemed impossible back then, but now this gift was making them come true.
"I'll name him Lassie," Rex finally declared, a faint smile crossing his face.
"That's a lovely name, sir," Lazar beamed, overjoyed that his gesture had resonated so much with the director.
Rex affectionately petted Lassie's downy head, unable to stop smiling as Lassie licked his hand enthusiastically and wagged his whole body in delight.
Rex felt a comforting warmth blossoming in his heart, something he had not experienced in far too long. He realized that perhaps celebrating his birthday was not as pointless as he had thought. For the first time, he had someone to share it with. He decided to spend the rest of the day relaxing with Lassie and Lazar, simply enjoying their company.
For today, Rex decided to postpone his sinister plans to destroy the world and rebuild it. Those schemes could wait for another day. Right now, all he wanted was to savor this long-forgotten feeling of friendship.
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