The Bureau of Dreams to be Continued by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview
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The Bureau of Dreams to be Continued
Page 446
themselves. A wooden puzzle, a stack of books, a plush elephant. Each one was met with a delighted squeal or a curious poke.
Then came the cake.
It was small, just for her; a single layer vanilla cake with whipped cream frosting and a single candle flickering on top. Everyone gathered around as Lila carried it in, singing the birthday song. Maya’s eyes widened at the flame, and when the song ended, she stared at the candle, unsure what to do. Marcus leaned in and gently blew it out with her.
They placed the cake in front of her, and after a moment’s hesitation, she plunged both hands into it. Frosting smeared across her cheeks, her nose, even her eyebrows. Laughter erupted around the room, and someone snapped a photo just as she looked up, triumphant and sticky.
Later, after the guests had gone and the balloons had begun to droop, Maya fell asleep in Lila’s arms, her breath warm and even. Marcus sat beside them, holding the felt crown, now slightly bent.
It had been a day of firsts; first candle, first cake, first celebration of a life just beginning. And though Maya wouldn’t remember it, her parents would. They would remember the way she laughed with her whole body, the way she clapped when the music