Maya woke with a hop as a balloon bumped her nose. Sunlight slipped through the curtains, revealing birthday decorations everywhere.
Maya reached for the balloon. It bounced away, bobbing past the bright streamers.
Maya chased the balloon across the room and grabbed for its ribbon. Pop! The ribbon slipped free, and the balloon zoomed toward the ceiling.
Maya waved goodbye. Then she spotted the pillows stacked beside the bed. “Aha!” she thought.
Maya stacked the pillows and climbed carefully. Whoosh! The top pillow slid away, and Maya landed among the blankets.
Maya clapped at the silly pillow mountain. Then she looked toward the curtains and thought, “There must be a better way.”
Maya opened the curtains wide and lifted both arms. A warm breeze floated through the room.
The breeze guided the balloon down beside Maya. She caught it and whispered, “Thank you, birthday morning!”
Maya hopped out of bed and danced beneath the balloons and streamers. Sunlight sparkled on every decoration.
Maya smiled and opened her arms wide. She was ready to greet the day.