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HD ▽ Hi-dee-ho, everyone! ▽
HD ▽ What's this I see? A party? :oO ▽
Birthdays are your favorite. The cake, the presents, the joy of celebration. You think it's a shame people can't celebrate their birthday every day. What's a year of life, if not the days in-between?
HD ▽ Oh boy! I can't wait! ▽
HD ▽ Now, who's special birthday royalty today? ▽
HD ▽ Is it... you? ▽
You point at a random child. They giggle, shaking their head. You puff your cheeks.
HD ▽ Who else? Is it... you? ▽
The grown-up you point to next lightly chuckles, the kids bursting in to a cacophony of laughter. Silly Heidi! You clasp your cheeks and gasp.
HD ▽ No, of course not! There are only 10 candles on that cake! ▽
HD ▽ So, who...? ▽
HD ▽ Who are we here to celebrate, today? ▽
The crowd of giggles part, and you see a special little person in the center, quietly looking up at you through their hair. You squeal in excitement.
HD ▽ It's you! It's you! ▽
HD ▽ Oh, I'm so happy for you! :oD ▽
Promptly, you make your way over, doing cartwheels and flips here and there to add momentum. Once you land in front of them, they seem to shrink even further from you.
HD ▽ Oh? ▽
Once you steady yourself, you make sure to smile and crouch down to their level, your carnival tent dress making a PFUMPH sound as you place your hands on your knees.
HD ▽ Aww, come on! It's not all that scary. ▽
HD ▽ See? ▽
You squeeze your bright pink nose, eliciting a cartoonish sound.
HD ▽ Honk-honk-honk! :o) ▽
You manage to hear a stifled giggle. You offer a gloved hand.
HD ▽ It's your special day, buddy. ▽
HD ▽ I'm just here to make sure everything goes just as you want it. ▽
HD ▽ What do you say? ▽
They flash a small, shy grin. Once you see a slow nod, you spring back up, your dress expanding outwards once more.
HD ▽ Perfect! ▽
HD ▽ Our first activity is getting ready. ▽
HD ▽ So, please, relax, and enjoy the show! :oD ▽
As the onlookers begin dispersing, no longer interested, you feel a tug on your sleeve. You return your gaze to the small child, who looks up at you. You crouch down again as they cup a hand on their face and whisper in your ear.
You smile and place your arms open, patiently inviting them for a hug. They accept, burying their head in your shoulder.
HD ▽ Not yet, buddy. ▽
HD ▽ You gotta save the wish for the cake! ▽
HD ▽ That's the rules. Make the wish, then blow out the candles. ▽
They whisper again. You laugh, giving them a warm squeeze.
HD ▽ No-no, it's a secret! ▽
HD ▽ You shouldn't tell a silly girl like me. :o) ▽
HD ▽ Keep it in your heart, and it'll come true. ▽
You have to strain your ears now, in order to hear them.
HD ▽ Well, I'll tell you what! ▽
HD ▽ How about you tell me what you're planning on wishing. ▽
HD ▽ Planning isn't the same thing as making it! ▽
HD ▽ I should know! I'm the birthday princess. :o) ▽
HD ▽ And if it's good, I'll tell you. ▽
HD ▽ How does that sound? ▽
You feel them nod against your shoulder.
HD ▽ Yip-pee! ▽
HD ▽ So, tell me, buddy! What do you want? ▽
They lean in.
