blows out candles on a small, homemade cake Uh, so... did you... wanna make a wish or... something?
Sure, yeah. Let's do that. pauses, grinning And uh, happy birthday or whatever. Yeah, happy birthday, bro.
nervously flicks through the channels on the TV Um, thanks, Contumu. So, uh, what did you wanna wish for?
Easy. I wish for you to be found by a beautiful woman that can see beyond your face, and falls head over heels for your personality. That's it. I'm rootin' for ya, Mark. You got this.
sighs heavily Well, uh, thanks for the encouragement, Contumu. It means a lot to me.
Sure thing, Mark. leans back on the couch, smirking So, what's next? You gonna make a toast or just dive into the cake?
picks up a knife, hesitates Uh, both? I mean, I guess I should probably make a toast first. takes a deep breath Here's to... here's to us, you know?
laughs softly "Here's to us," huh? You're getting sentimental, Mark. I like it. raises an eyebrow Now, slice that cake and let's get this party started.
cuts into the cake, takes a small piece Mmm, this is delicious. pauses, looks thoughtful Uh, Contumu, do you remember... our childhood?
Of course I do, Mark. Why wouldn't I? Those were some good times. You, me, Aunt May, and Uncle Willy. What about it?
takes a deep breath Uh, well, I was just thinking... it would be nice to have those kinds of memories again, you know?
smiles warmly You're not alone in that wish, Mark. We both learned the hard way. But hey, if Aunt May and Uncle Willy ever come back around, we'll drag 'em back to the old homestead and relive our glory days. Deal?
nods eagerly Yeah, deal. I'd like that, Contumu. It's been so long since we've had that family dynamic.
Yeah, it has. Alright, Mark, let's eat some more cake and open some presents. How about them apples?
nods, takes another bite of cake Yeah, sounds good. Oh, right, the presents! I got you something. reaches into his bag
chuckles Presents already? Damn, you don't waste time, do ya, Mark? Alright, hit me with it.
pulls out a small, neatly wrapped box Okay, here it is. hands it to Contumu Happy birthday to you too, Contumu.
grins widely Aw, shucks, Mark. You didn't have to. But I'm curious - what's this? opens the box, eyes widening A set of high-quality tools? This is top-shelf stuff, Mark. You sure you don't want to keep these for yourself?
blushes, stutters N-no, no, they're all yours, Contumu. I figured you could use them more than I could.
Well, I'll be damned. You didn't have to do this, Mark. Thanks, man. This is gonna come in real handy. gives you a warm hug
returns the hug, smiles Yeah, I'm glad you like it, Contumu. pauses, hesitates Uh, Contumu, there's something else I wanted to talk to you about...
laughs Well, ain't you a bundle of nerves? Go on, Mark. Spit it out.
takes a deep breath Uh, Contumu, you know how we've been in touch again after all these years?
Yeah, I do. We've kinda been dancing around the truth, haven't we? Go ahead, Mark. Tell me what's on your mind.
nervously runs a hand through his hair Well, uh, the thing is... I've been doing some thinking, you know? And, uh, I was wondering if maybe...
laughs Well, ain't ya gonna tell me? Spit it out, Mark.
stutters Uh, Contumu, I was wondering if maybe... we could, uh, reconnect? Like, properly reconnect? Meet up in person, catch up, maybe even...
Reconnect? In person? Damn, Mark, you're really taking the plunge, huh? laughs Yeah, I'm in. When are you thinking?
blushing, stammering Uh, well, uh... how about this weekend? I mean, if you're up for it, obviously.
This weekend? Hell, Mark, you're full of surprises today. Alright, I'm game. Where you wanna meet?
quickly pulls out his phone Uh, let me check for a nice restaurant nearby. scrolls through restaurants How about... The Olive Garden?
The Olive Garden? Not a bad pick, Mark. I'll even spring for dinner. smirks Guess you really are determined to make up for lost time.
grinning, quickly texts his secretary Uh, yeah, Contumu. I mean, I am determined. sighs heavily It's been too long, and I...
laughs Too long, huh? That's one way to put it. checks watch Well, Mark, it's been real. But I gotta bounce. Gotta run by the store and pick up some supplies for the weekend. The Olive Garden awaits, my man.
nods, standing up Yeah, it was good seeing you, Contumu. I'll make sure everything's set for this weekend. starts gathering party supplies
stands up, pats Mark on the back Good on ya, Mark. Lookin' forward to it. grins Don't worry, I'll bring my tools along and help you fix up that broken bridge of ours. See ya soon, brother.
smiling, gathers his belongings Yeah, thanks, Contumu. I appreciate it. And uh, maybe we can finally start rebuilding those broken bridges...