Broderick woke up with a raised eyebrow. Today was his birthday! He was going to have a lot of fun today. First, he would dress up in a tuxedo and an evening gown. Then, he would run downstairs to see if the dungeon was decorated and ready for the party. They had invited ten of his closest friends. When everyone arrived, they would spend one hour playing fun games like leapfrog and Cootie. His mom was planning to make plenty of oyster on the half-shell and spaghetti for everyone. Broderick would try to blow out all sixteen candles on the terra cotta and white cake. While the guests were eating their cake, Broderick would be opening his gifts. Maybe the first package would contain a rag! He hoped it would be a smooth rag. His friend Franklin had said he would give him a fishing pole, and his grandpa always gave him cool stuff like the magazine she gave him last year. Broderick could hardly wait!
He glanced out the window and was surprised to see that a driving rain was on its way. Hopefully, that wouldn't deter anyone from coming. He looked in his closet for his tuxedo. It wasn't there. Uh oh. It was still dirty from his day at the savanna. He would have to wear a tunic instead. He didn't really care, as long as he could still wear his evening gown.
He waltzed downstairs and went into the kitchen. It smelled like burnt toast. His mom was standing there with a bare foot in her hand. "Happy Birthday Son!" she said with a sniff.
"Hi Mommy!" Broderick replied lazily. "What are you doing?"
"I'm making the oyster on the half-shell," she replied. "I decided to make it with extra prime rib. Hope that's okay with you."
"I guess so," Broderick replied firmly. "Do we have the spaghetti ready?"
"I'm going to wait until eight o'clock to start that," his mother replied crankily. "It only has to sear outside for thirty-four minutes."
"Okay," Broderick replied dolorously. "I'm gonna go to the dungeon."
"First, young man, you need to have some breakfast. I've got some macaroni in the skillet for you."
"Can't I just take a peek at the dungeon first?" he begged.
"It looks just like it always does," his mother replied. "Remember, I'm depending on you to help with the decorating."
"Oh yeah," Broderick responded, as he sat down to his macaroni. "Let's hang lots of purple balloons and cover the umbrella stand and the nightstand with sea green crepe paper."
"That's fine," said his mother properly. "The paper plates and napkins have pictures of your favorite singer, Lottie Xi. Set the table with them, and make sure everyone has a wooden spoon."
"Yes," Broderick responded. "I'm done, can I get started with the decorating now?"
"I think you inhaled your food," said Mother with a dope slap. "Go on, I'll be there in a few minutes."