Timeless

Chapter six

Eight years later...

    I awaken to the soft glow on the cave ceiling, a sight I've grown to love. Turning to my right, I see Lilly, fast sleep, her arms hugging her soft, fluffy pillow.
   A slow smile spreads across my face the sight of peaceful slumber. Quiet as a whisper, I slip out of bed, careful not to disturb her.
   I pull on my black boots, leaving my cheetah leather jacket behind for the time being. The cool cave air is refreshing against my skin as I close the door behind me, heading towards the living room.
   The room was quiet, waiting for the night to start. I look around, planning where to put the decorations for Lilly's birthday.
   It's going to be a special day, and I want everything to be perfect. The excitement bubbles up inside me as I start to unpack the decorations, the cave slowly transforming into a celebration haven.
I'm in the middle of attaching a balloon to the corner of the cave when the sound of footsteps echoes through the room.
I glance over my shoulder, spotting Marko as he walks in. He's taking in the cave, his eyes darting around, taking in the transformation.
"Morning, Marko," I greet him, my hands busy with the balloon string. There's a sense of anticipation in the air, the cave slowly coming alive with the festive decorations.
(The living room)

I glanced over at Marko, who was busy unpacking the rest of the party decorations.
"Hey, can you put up the streamers and balloons in that left corner?"
I asked him, pointing towards the spot I had in mind. It was the perfect place to take photos with Lilly.
Marko looked up, his hands full of the sliver streamers that shimmered like moonlight and balloons that were waiting to be filled with air.
"Yeah"
He replied with a nod, his voice steady and reliable as always. He grabbed the clear tape, a tool of our trade for the night, and walked over to the left corner.
With a careful eye and a steady hand, he started to transform the space. The tape came off with a loud sound, each piece securing the steamers and balloons, turning a plain corner into a pretty site.
I watched for a moment, appreciating his handwork. The streamers caught the candle light every time they moved, casting reflections around the room. The balloons, now bobbing gently in place by the salty wind that flowed through the cave.
(The left corner)