Leo tiptoed down the hallway. His bedroom door was open. A soft voice called from inside.
He peeked around the doorframe. His mom lay in bed under the blue quilt. She whispered, "Happy birthday to me." Leo's brows furrowed.
He needed to make something special. Leo grabbed paper and his crayon box from his desk.
He drew a cake — thick yellow lines and a big red heart. It was crooked. He folded it in half and smiled.
Leo placed the card on the nightstand. He sat on the edge of the bed beside his mom.
His mom opened her eyes. She read the cake and the heart. A smile spread across her face.
She reached out and squeezed his hand. "This is the best birthday," she whispered.
Leo climbed up and curled beside her. Her hand stroked his hair. His eyes grew heavy.