A familiar man appeared. He scowled at Jonathan and Jervis. He was Lyle Bolton. His eyes narrowed while he never said anything. Lyle stood in his uniform. A dark tie with a light shirt. Other dark garments. Blue trousers with dark shoes.
Jervis and Jonathan turned to Lyle. Their eyes widened at the same time.
''I bought my friend's birthday cake,'' Jervis said.
Lyle continued to scowl.
''Why are you here?'' Jervis wished to know.
''I'm off-duty. I just found you,'' Lyle said to Jonathan and Jervis. His eyes were on the last remaining cake slices. The corner of Lyle's mouth almost reached his eye. ''I'm hungry.'' Lyle took a cake slice and devoured it. He viewed their eyes widening again.
Jervis and Jonathan stood at the same time. They scowled at Lyle.
After forgetting dreading Lyle, Jonathan took the final slice of cake. He placed the slice in Lyle's mouth before the latter's eyes widened. Jonathan turned to Jervis. He viewed him blinking several times. He ran with Jervis. They eventually found themselves near another shop.
Frowning, Jervis focused on Jonathan before his shoulders slumped. There was sadness in his eyes. ''About your birthday cake...''
Jonathan smiled again. ''It was exactly what I wished for. Lyle Bolton suffering.'' He saw the return of his friend's smile.
Jonathan and Jervis wandered side by side.
''The perfect birthday gift. Getting even with Lyle Bolton for tormenting us,'' Jonathan said. The other birthday present? Never dreading Lyle Bolton another time.
THE END