Fleeting Happiness

A wave of joyful music, punctuated by the shrieks of delighted children, pulled Blair from her sleep. She opened her eyes to find Victor standing beside her bed, a bouquet of vibrant red roses clutched in his hand. The morning sunlight, streaming through the gaps in the curtains, painted his face with a golden glow, softening the sharp angles of his features, making him look almost angelic. Almost.

"What's all this?" Blair asked, a sleepy smile curving her lips.

"Consider it a peace offering," Victor replied, his own smile tinged with a hint of sheepishness. "And an invitation. I was thinking… amusement park? Cotton candy? Questionable prizes won from rigged carnival games?"