Chapter 117 - Birthday Presents from Jean (1/2)

Jean looked wistfully at the falling snow. He did not say anything for several minutes, until the glow wine in his glass ran out.

”I have a birthday present for you...” He placed his glass on the table and pulled a box from under his coat. ”I know, surely Caspar has given you very expensive gifts, so I will not try to give gifts of expensive items. I know they will not be comparable...”

Finland was stunned to see the little box on the table. They were never together when Finland had a birthday because Jean was usually busy with his work, but he would always send her flowers.

This was the first time Jean gave her a birthday present in person. For Finland, Jean's mere presence here was already enough.

”You don't need to give me special gifts...” Finland said with a smile. ”Flowers like usual is good enough for me.”

”This is a birthday present I bought for you when I first moved to Paris, but I didn't have the chance to give it to you because we never met on your birthday, and for some reason I was happy to have it in my apartment. At that time, I promised myself I would give it to you when you arrive in Paris. Now that you have managed to come here, I want to present it to you as a welcome gift. Welcome to Paris... Open it.”

Finland slowly opened the box. She was touched because Jean had kept this gift for her for 4 years.

Slowly a soft tune started playing in the pretty little box. The tune was La Vien Rose by Édith Piaf.

Ahhh, apparently Jean gave Finland a music box.

”Th... thank you... This is so beautiful.” said Finland.

”Billie Yves told me that the song that you really like, 'You Are Enough', was inspired by La Vien Rose. They don't sound similar at all, but the songs are indeed related. I think you will also like this one...” Jean said with a soft smile.

”You're right. I love it.” Finland said as she stroked her music box with affection. ”Thank you...”

”I'm not done yet...” Jean said later. ”Do you remember how many gifts I usually give you on your birthday?”

”Uhmm... you usually send me flowers,” Finland tried to remember, ”You mean how many flower stalks?”