CHAPTER 2

The next day, Henry was eating his pancakes with berries for breakfast when his servant brought a letter addressed to him. He opened it and his eyes focused on the following words: "In loving memory of Dorian Gray". His unexpected disorientation caused the letter to slip from his hand and he suddenly lost his appetite. In that afternoon, Henry went to Dorian's memorial service where friends or family members were there to say their last goodbye. Unexpectedly, he saw that Alan Campbell was waiting for him and they greeted each other. There were many flowers in that place and Henry grabbed one of them, sniffed it with his eyes closed and left the delicate rose in Dorian's coffin.

"Goodbye, Dorian. I'm so sorry for everything that I've done to you. Rest in peace."

People looked at each other's faces as they didn't believe that such a young man had passed away so early. Others would say that Henry shouldn't be there but Alan stayed next to him all the time, and after the funeral was held, they left the place.

A week has passed and after the morning rain, the gray pavement slab was drying as people walked by to the sound of many birds chirping in the trees. Alan walked in a slow pace and following him was Henry, who observed the surroundings. Many shops and cafes could be found on that street and people seemed to be having a great time.

"Alan, where are we going please? We've been walking for 10 minutes straight."

"Come on, we are almost there. Stop complaining." replied Alan.

"I'm tired, why did I accept going out with you today?" said Henry impatiently.

Alan laughed. "Stop being an old man. I'm your friend, don't you trust me?"

"Isn't that rhetorical?" replied Henry. "Anyway, you didn't even say where we're going and that makes me anxious."

"Well, here we are Henry."

Alan opened the door and the cafe was not too busy on that day, one could tell that most customers were regulars and they were occupied with lazy conversation. The building and decor were lavishly decorated and you could smell the sweet scent of flowers.

"Why are we here? I don't understand." said Henry.

"Ah Henry, you always surprise me. Today's your birthday! How could I forget about this special date?" said Alan, looking him straight in the face.

"Oh, but I completely forgot about that." replied Henry.

"That's why you have a friend like me. So, let's cheer up today!"

The two friends sat on a sofa and ordered some food. After a few minutes, the waiter brought several dishes and Henry was having a cup of tea. Alan knew that his friend was not feeling well since Dorian's funeral and he wanted to help him in the best way possible. But when he looked at Henry, he realized that his friend looked different than before. He looked so pale and seemed to have lost weight.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Alan?" asked Henry.

"Nothing, I was only enjoying my cake." said Alan, looking away from him. "As today is your birthday, what is your wish?"

"Honestly, don't you think I'm too old to think about these things?" said Henry, shaking his head. "But thank you for bringing me here today, I really appreciate that."

"No problem. I was joking with you, Henry. And this cake is very good, you should try it."

"All right, I will try it." said Henry listlessly.

"I hope you like it. And how's everything?" asked Alan.

"As usual, Maurice always helps me with everything, so I don't have to worry about anything. What about you?"

"I spend most of my time with my wife. Elise is a good company for me, I guess. She recommended this place and I decided to bring you here."

"I'm glad that you are happy with her. Excuse me for a moment, Alan."

Henry got up and ran to the men's room. When the door was closed, he sat on the floor and he could only feel emptiness inside him. His lips were trembling, his throat was tight and he couldn't speak; his heavy breathing started to make him dizzy but he couldn't stop. Henry's hands reached his face as he tried to wipe away the tears and his head leaned against the door. Happiness? Such a word no longer existed for him and not even his birthday or his friend's surprise could cheer him up. Guilty and indifference was consuming him and he didn't know what to do. After a few minutes, Henry got up and started to wash his face. He felt nauseous, but tried to recompose himself as soon as possible. When he returned to the table, Alan looked at him with concern.

"Are you all right, Henry? You don't look so well, what happened?"

"I'm fine, don't worry about me." Henry replied indifferently. "I think that we need to leave since I'm feeling very tired today. Your surprise was really great, thank you."

Alan looked at him suspiciously as he tried to find out what happened, but he called the waiter and paid the bill. Soon after, both of them left the cafe.