The house was silent as the four people filled jars with different fruits and berries. The team worked in tandem, and each one carried out their task and handed the jar off to the next person in line. A large cricket chirped loudly outside their window, and Master set down the last jar. "We should head to bed."
Jonah yawned with his entire body, "You don't have to tell me twice."
"Jonah," Master stopped the pale man as he began to walk away, "Don't stay up all night planning pranks."
Jonah froze in place, "I would never."
"I'm serious. We have a lot to do before this mission." "But Master! It's tradition." Master raised an eyebrow at
Jonah, and he heaved a huge sigh, "Fine." He grumbled while stomping off to his room.
"Hopefully, you will get a break this year." Master ruffled Gruff's hair.
"Thank you, Master." "Now go to sleep."
The bedroom was dark, and Gruff stared at the ceiling as he lay on his back. A soft rustling could be heard from the other side of the room. "Gruff," Jonah spoke, "Sorry, I won't be able to prank you this year."
Gruff turned to his side. He squinted across the room, "Jonah, you know you don't have to distract me from my birthday anymore, right?"
"Well, it became a tradition for me, though. Also, sometimes I worry. Master and Marcia don't share a room with you. So, I feel they don't know how bad your nightmares were."
"I'm fine, really." Gruff turned back onto his back. "Okay, but I will still prank you at least once a year.
It'll be a big one."
Gruff smiled to himself, "I'll look forward to it."