Selene's day began like any other. The sun had barely risen when she awoke to the sound of her alarm buzzing. She rubbed her eyes, stretching as the early morning light filtered through her bedroom window. Her apartment was small but cozy, a quiet refuge from the bustling world outside. It sat on the top floor of a building that had seen better days, its brick walls overrun with ivy. The flower boxes hanging from the windowsills added a soft charm, though they barely hid the years of wear the building had endured. Inside, the air smelled of old wood and dust, but also books—so many books.
After a quick breakfast, Selene grabbed her bag and headed out the door. The walk to the university was a short one. The campus was busy, with students rushing past her, some chatting excitedly about their classes, others lost in their own thoughts. As a scholar, Selene was used to the routine—lecturing, researching, and the occasional student who asked a question she couldn't answer.
Her first lecture was on the history of ancient civilizations, and she spoke with ease, her voice smooth and confident as she guided her students through the rich tapestry of myth and history. As usual, she wasn't there for the applause or admiration; she simply enjoyed sharing her knowledge. Her students, eager but sometimes unfocused, often drifted in and out of attention, but she didn't mind. It was the research that kept her mind alive.
By midday, Selene found herself deep in the university library, surrounded by towering shelves filled with ancient manuscripts. Her friends Ivy and Mira always seemed to find her here, usually bringing food or a much-needed distraction.
"I swear, Selene, if you don't take a break, you're going to turn into a book," Ivy teased, tossing a sandwich onto the table.
Selene glanced up, offering a small smile. "I'm fine, Ivy. There's too much to uncover. I think I'm getting close to something big."
Mira, sitting next to Ivy, smirked. "That's what you said last time. But really, I think you just like burying yourself in old scrolls and texts."
Selene laughed softly, pushing a strand of her red hair behind her ear. "There's something about history. It's like… finding pieces of a puzzle no one else has seen."
"Yeah, yeah," Ivy said, rolling her eyes. "I think you're more interested in puzzles that never get solved."
Mira nodded in agreement. "And that's why we're here. To make sure you don't work yourself into oblivion."
"I can't help it," Selene said, her voice softening slightly. "I think I've found something that could change everything."
Ivy raised an eyebrow. "Like a new discovery or… a lost civilization that you're about to bring back from the dead?"
Selene chuckled. "Nothing that dramatic. Just a translation I've been working on. It might lead to something important."
"You always say that," Ivy grinned, nudging Mira. "But we'll leave you to it. Just remember, your birthday's tomorrow. We're dragging you out of here for a bit of fun, whether you like it or not."
Selene smiled, grateful for their friendship. "I'll think about it."
The rest of the day passed in a blur of research and lectures. By the time Selene returned home, the sun had dipped below the horizon. Her apartment felt quieter than usual, a peaceful stillness hanging in the air. But as she approached her driveway, she noticed something unexpected: both her mother's and Kael's cars were parked outside. Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected anyone tonight.
Selene turned the key in the door and stepped inside.
"Selene?" Her mother's voice called from the living room, followed by the deep, familiar tone of Kael.
Selene smiled softly, a wave of warmth rushing through her. "I'm home."
Her mother, Alina, was sitting on the couch, a book in her hands. Alina's soft smile greeted her, and her bright green eyes twinkled with warmth. She had always been a steady, calming presence in Selene's life, her gentle voice a constant comfort. Alina was everything a mother should be—loving, protective, and always there when Selene needed her most.
Kael, too, was sitting there, looking the same as always. Tall, broad-shouldered, with striking black hair and piercing blue eyes. His features were sharp and symmetrical, with a jawline that could cut glass, and lips that held a natural seriousness but softened when he smiled. His eyes, the color of a stormy ocean, always seemed to hold something deeper, something unspoken. He looked up at her as she walked in, his gaze warm, and a teasing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"You're here," Selene said, her voice a soft mix of surprise and affection.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "I thought you could use some company on your birthday eve."
Alina set her book down, her gentle smile never wavering. "Kael was kind enough to bring me some dinner. We thought we'd surprise you."
Selene laughed softly, feeling an unexpected sense of relief. "You didn't have to do that, you know."
Kael stood up and walked over to her, his gaze softening. "I think you deserve to be spoiled a little bit. You've been working so hard lately."
Selene shrugged, feeling a small blush creep up her neck. "It's just another day. I'll go to work, study some more. Nothing out of the ordinary."
Kael gave her a knowing look, leaning casually against the doorframe. "We're not letting you spend your birthday alone, Selene. I'm taking you out. You can't keep burying yourself in books forever."
Her mother nodded, joining in with a soft chuckle. "You deserve a break, darling. A quiet dinner and some time away from all your research."
Selene smiled, though her heart felt lighter than she expected. "Alright. I'll let you drag me out for a quiet dinner. But that's it. No big plans."
Kael grinned, stepping closer and gently squeezing her shoulder. "Deal. A quiet dinner it is. But just you wait—next year, we're making it an event."
Her mother smiled warmly. "Happy early birthday, sweet girl."
As the evening unfolded, Selene couldn't help but feel a deep sense of comfort in their company. The conversation flowed easily between them—stories from the past, small jokes, and memories of birthdays gone by. Selene had never minded the quiet nights with her mother and Kael. They didn't need anything extravagant to enjoy each other's company.