Best Birthday Ever

   I was supposed to be asleep, but I waited until there was not a sound and quietly snuck downstairs to get another slice of cake. That afternoon I had my first birthday party, or at least the first one I could remember. I was 3 or 4 and my parents had it outdoors in a big gray-green Army tent, at 521-E, 22nd Street.. in the Projects.

   It was dark downstairs and as I opened the “ice box” the light inside lit the kitchen. My eyes grew big as I scanned inside looking for leftover cake. My mouth watered as I reached for it… then I felt something softly brush against my leg. Then it did it again! I turned and looked down and it was a CAT! We don’t own a cat! I SCREAMED and woke everyone and they came running downstairs.

   My father found the thing that had startled me and shooo…d the kitten out the house. They thought it had come inside as the party was going on and the door left open.

In all the commotions no one realized I had come for the cake. I went back to bed disappointed I didn’t get the piece of cake. I did get traumatized for life.

   BTW, the next morning the tent was gone… big spikes, canvass body, ropes and all. Project Life… hurry and get your clothes in before dark! And don’t forget your big ole tent too. Damn dream snatchers!