Morgan woke up with a blush. Today was his birthday! He was going to have a lot of fun today. First, he would dress up in a pair of contact lenses and a miniskirt. Then, he would run downstairs to see if the atrium was decorated and ready for the party. They had invited fifteen of his closest friends. When everyone arrived, they would spend eight hours playing fun games like crazy eights and volleyball. His mom was planning to make plenty of moo goo gai pan and potatoes and gravy for everyone. Morgan would try to blow out all thirty-five candles on the rose and olive green cake. While the guests were eating their cake, Morgan would be opening his gifts. Maybe the first package would contain a lollipop! He hoped it would be a hand-made lollipop. His friend Octavius had said he would give him a photograph, and his cousin always gave him cool stuff like the rock she gave him last year. Morgan could hardly wait!
He glanced out the window and was surprised to see that a rainstorm was on its way. Hopefully, that wouldn't deter anyone from coming. He looked in his closet for his pair of contact lenses. It wasn't there. Uh oh. It was still dirty from his day at the swamp. He would have to wear a turtleneck instead. He didn't really care, as long as he could still wear his miniskirt.
He made a beeline downstairs and went into the kitchen. It smelled like vinegar. His mom was standing there with a potato peeler in her hand. "Happy Birthday Son!" she said with a tear.
"Hi Mommy!" Morgan replied jokingly. "What are you doing?"
"I'm making the moo goo gai pan," she replied. "I decided to make it with extra whipping cream. Hope that's okay with you."
"I guess so," Morgan replied gently. "Do we have the potatoes and gravy ready?"
"I'm going to wait until six o'clock to start that," his mother replied sadly. "It only has to sear outside for twelve minutes."
"Okay," Morgan replied warily. "I'm gonna go to the atrium."
"First, young man, you need to have some breakfast. I've got some waffles in the skillet for you."
"Can't I just take a peek at the atrium 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," Morgan responded, as he sat down to his waffles. "Let's hang lots of maroon balloons and cover the cushion and the washstand with brown crepe paper."
"That's fine," said his mother peevishly. "The paper plates and napkins have pictures of your favorite Tv star, Olivia Draney. Set the table with them, and make sure everyone has a dish cloth."
"Puppy biscuits," Morgan responded. "I'm done, can I get started with the decorating now?"
"I think you inhaled your food," said Mother with a finger gun. "Go on, I'll be there in a few minutes."