"Ah, perfect timing Shadow. I need you and your team to-" "No." The GUN Commander gave his top agent a very confused look. He hadn't even said what the mission was. "It's not that hard. It's just intel gathering and-" "I said no."
Shadow's hands became fists and the look in his eyes said not to continue talking. "Commander, maybe you've forgotten what day it is. You were her friend. I thought you'd remember." The hedgehog turned around and left, not giving his boss a chance to reply.
Once out in the city he headed downtown, stopping at a flower shop. There he bought a bouquet of bluebells. The shop owner had been stunned to see him come in and buy something. She had even asked who they were for, but Shadow had said nothing.
After getting the flowers he had stopped at a party store. Again the store owner was shocked to see him, and again he offered no explanation. Even if nobody remembered, today was a special day. With his items in hand he used chaos control to head home. Normally 'home' meant the guest room at Club Rouge, but not today. Today was different.
The stars shone brightly through the windows, the sun gleaming on the planet below. Shadow grabbed the party supplies and began to decorate. Soon the interior of the ARK was covered in blue and ready for a party.
A party only he would be attending. But even so, he felt the decorations were necessary. She had always loved balloons, and he had gotten her favorite color for the streamers and banner. He set the flowers in the center of the floor and left the room to get the gift.
His present for her was still wrapped after all these years. He had meant to give it to her, but then the incident happened. Now, fifty-five years later, he was going to open it for her. He picked up the package and exited his old room, heading back to the main viewport.
Making sure not to step on the flowers, he entered the room and sat down. He placed the sky blue box in front of him before looking ahead at nothing. He smiled, as if he saw someone that wasn't there. "You're going to love it. The Professor helped me pick it out."
He gently pulled the wrapping paper off the box, and removed the gift from inside. He pushed the box aside and set the gift down. Holding it steady, he gave it a slow twirl and watched as the continents drifted along.
"You always did want to visit the planet. I'm sorry I could never take you. You were right about how beautiful it is." He grabbed the flowers, stood up and walked over to the window. He glanced behind him and made a gesture with his hand that said 'come here'.
Nothing happened, but his smile showed that he saw something. He saw someone stand up and follow him over to the window. He saw someone look outside, then down at him and the flowers.
He saw someone start crying. With his free hand he reached out. He took a hold of someone's hand and held it tight. He comforted someone. Someone who wasn't there. "Happy birthday, Maria. I miss you."
