Happy Birthday, To Me

She’s yelling, but I’m not hearing a word she says. I have a smile plastered on my face despite whatever it is she’s ranting about this time. I lovingly look to my brothers, make eye contact and try to telepathically send them the message “It’s going to be a good day.” How could it not be? It’s our birthday week and we’re celebrating today. The three of us share birthdays within 5 days of one another. Birthdays mean happiness, cake, ice cream, presents, time with my mom and dad and brothers, it’s freedom. My optimism will quickly be shattered by my mother’s rage. I cannot contain my excitement as she sits the three of us on the kitchen floor and hands each of us a chocolate cupcake. A treat! A chocolate one at that. I can smell the sugar and, as my mouth starts to water, I can already taste the creaminess of the icing. She instructs us, “Look at me and take a bite!” I can’t believe it. I hadn’t wanted to think about the possibility that this was a joke, but for a split second it dawns on me this could be a cruel trick. She told us to take a bite and look at her. So, I glance to my right at my younger brothers and watch as they raise their cupcakes to their mouths. With the largest grin on my face, I turn back to face my mother and take the biggest bite out of that cupcake. *Flash* The camera goes off and the second it does I know I’m in big trouble. The look on her face. I’ve seen that look far too many times and I know exactly…