Just a few hours before midnight, the small cabin behind Axel and Evelyn's house glowed with warm light.
Rain tapped softly against the roof, turning the forest into a quiet, misty haven.
Inside, the dinner table was set beautifully with candles, wine glasses, and a plate of perfectly cooked steak and potatoes.
Evelyn had gone all out, wanting tonight to feel special.
After all, it was the last dinner before Axel's birthday officially began.
The three of them sat around the table, forming their own small, cozy world.
Oliver stabbed his tiny fork into a piece of potato and chewed happily, "Mommy, this is so good. Better than the food at the Palace."
Evelyn blinked. She remembered never bringing him dinner at the restaurant called Palace. 'Or did I forget?'
"Palace? What Palace, baby?" She asked.
Oliver shrugged. "The one in my dreams."
Axel burst into laughter before saying, "He means your cooking is dream-level, sweetheart."
