She knew he didn’t like surprises or like celebrations. And yet he’d agreed to it. Anything to keep the peace. How bad could it be? Get in the taxi, go to wherever it was and get his birthday treat. Perhaps it was dinner somewhere? Maybe a night away just the two of them? When had they last done that? Too long ago to remember…
As the taxi pulled up and said his name, he reluctantly got inside. Trying to sound as casual as he could he asked the driver about the route. “No luck mate, can’t let you in on the surprise!” He sat back, closed his eyes and drew a deep breath. If he could just let go of the dread perhaps it wouldn’t be as bad as he thought. Who was he kidding? It could be far worse than that.
The drive seemed to take forever. Taking him out of town and away from places that seemed familiar. The houses grew sparse and the roads narrower. It was beginning to drop dark. As he realised they appeared to be heading for the woods, the driver slowed to take a turn through a gate and continued along what was barely more than a track.