Sylene looked doubtful and confused, but then Mavis cupped his cheeks gently, squeezing them with both hands until Sylene's thoughts unraveled into silence.
"Oh, come on," Mavis huffed, lips pursed. "Don't talk like that. It is special to me!"
His voice grew firm, certain. "It's the day my savior was born. A blessed day! All birthdays are important, no matter who you are. Don't worry—we'll eat the cake on the train. I haven't had dinner yet anyway."
His smile was radiant, pure sunshine. "Out of all 365 days in a year, you chose to be born yesterday. Doesn't that make the day special enough? Don't worry, just sit back—this big bro will take care of everything."
He puffed out his chest in proud declaration, and then turned his gaze to the sky above the alleys.
"Isn't today beautiful?" Mavis said, eyes sparkling. "The moon is shining, the sky's clear… yeah, it's cold, but I escaped that hellhole after six months. And I get to celebrate your birthday, too!"
