The Birthday

“Hey Kitten” Brad said as his daughter Tammy climbed out of his exwife’s Land Rover. She was looking more grown up ever time he saw her.

“Hey Daddy” Joey shouted as he ran from the car and hugged his father.

“Hey Champ” Brad said, picking up his son. “What you been up to?” He watched as the truck pulled away. Typical Judith, not one freaking word. She always was a cold fish.

“Oh, we went to the circus and we saw an elephant, and lions, and we . . . ”

The words cut right through Brad; Judith hadn’t said a word about taking the kids to the circus but Brad knew why she had. Tomorrow was Joey’s 7th birthday and she was bitter that she didn’t have him this year. She wanted to show him up. He knew he shouldn’t have mentioned that he was going to take the kids to the park for a picnic to celebrate the day. He should have known she’d find a way of showing him up.

“...and we had popcorn and peanuts... and Tammy talked to this guy who was working there, and Mom made Chuck go and yell at the guy....”

“That’s great sport, why don’t you guys go inside; your sister might get you a snack. I need to make a phone call.”

It was a lie, he really just needed time to compose himself, how was he going to pull off this birthday without looking like the “loser” parent? What could he get Joey that would beat the circus?

“Hey Kitten,” he shouted as he came through the door, “is Mom still working the night shift?”

“Yeah.”

Then it hit him, the perfect gift for a seven-year-old who’s mother slept during the day...a drum! This is going to be the best birthday ever.



*300 words*