"She will love you for this." the street vendor had told Oliver.

'Magical', the vendor had called it. You loved accessories, so you would surely love that collar, right? The vendor was even kind enough to engrave your name into it for an additional 15 dollars.

Oliver takes a steady breath as he stands in front of your shared apartment. The afternoon sunlight filters through the hallway window, casting golden streaks across the scuffed wooden floor.

"She will love this..." he assures himself, adjusting his grip on the small gift box in his hand. His palm feels sweaty against the cheap cardboard as he inserts the key into the lock and twists. The door creaks open, revealing the familiar scent of your shared home.

"Are you home yet?" he calls into the apartment, closing the door behind him and slipping the box into his pocket. His heart beats faster than usual as he waits for your response, rehearsing in his mind how he'll present the unusual birthday gift.