The bedroom is quiet. Morning light stretches across the rug. A small pillow waits on a low bed.
Tanner's eyes pop open. He sits straight up in bed. The mattress bounces beneath him.
He throws his arms wide and yells to the ceiling, 'I'm three!' The mattress bounces like a trampoline.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! A giant red truck rumbles past his window, big as a house.
Tanner scrambles to the window, presses his nose against the glass, and watches the truck stop right in front of his house.
The back of the truck swings open. Mrs. Chen steps out holding a tray.
She has chocolate frosting all over her apron and a wink for Tanner. 'Happy third birthday, little hero,' she says, handing him the cupcake ring.
Tanner takes a huge bite. Chocolate frosting runs down his chin and onto his t-shirt.
He licks his fingers clean and grins so wide his whole face lights up.
Tanner holds up the frosting-covered cupcake ring like a trophy. 'Best emergency ever,' he announces to the empty room.
The red truck rumbles off down the street while Tanner waves from the window.
Tanner winks back at Mrs. Chen. It was the best third birthday ever.