Jason's POV
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow in the room as I stirred from my sleep. Before I could fully register the day ahead, Lucas burst in, a wide grin plastered across his face, bearing a cake like a herald of festivities.
"Happy Birthday, my dear friend," he announced with infectious enthusiasm, holding out the cake as if it held the key to all joy.
I couldn't muster the same excitement. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I sat up, feeling the weight of impending doom settling over me like a heavy blanket. "Come on, blow out your candle," Lucas insisted, his optimism starkly contrasting my sombre mood.
"I'm not in the mood for any of this," I sighed, my voice heavy with resignation. "Did you even go home last night?" I asked, noting his dishevelle
