Birthday Boy opened his eyes. Red and gold balloons floated above his bed.
He threw off his covers and scrambled out of bed. A buttery smell drifted down the hall.
On the kitchen table sat a white envelope. Inside was a card covered in handwriting and crayon drawings.
He heard clinking and peeked around the corner. His mom was placing a tall cake on the counter.
Birthday Boy tiptoed forward. The floorboard creaked — loud! His mom spun around, grinning with a floury face.
He read the last line of his card. His mom knelt down and gave him a big hug.
The candles flickered and the smoke curled into a wobbly heart. Everyone laughed and sang.
Birthday Boy took a deep breath and blew out the candles. The red and gold balloons bobbed above them.