Chapter 8

The cell phone rang on the desk as Julian was typing away on the laptop screen. It was a very early morning and he was one of the first few to arrive at the office. He picked up the phone and saw Randal's name across the screen. He clicked the answer button. "Hey man," Randal's loud, excited voice almost made Julian drop the phone. "Happy Birthday!" 'Birthday?' Julian thought. He checked the calendar on his PC. He slapped a palm over his forehead as he realised his friend was right. Today was indeed his birthday. "Thanks," He responded. "You wouldn't believe I forgot." "Actually I would," The mocking tone was clear in Randal's voice. "You were never keen on things like this." " Quite so." " So birthday boy, how are we celebrating? " Julian sighed heavily as he rubbed his forehead. "Randal, you know I don't celebrate birthdays. They are a constant reminder that I'm getting closer to my grave. Besides, where is the joy in celebrating the day one was brought to this corrupt and ev