I didn’t put them on until later that night. And when I did, I almost screamed.

All through the house was brightly colored wisps of air.

I looked closer at one of them. And what did I see? Memories.

Some were mine and my friends. Others were from 20, 30, 50 years ago.

And now I have a problem. I could no remember you had given them to me. I really needed to find out....

**For my 23rd birthday, I didn’t expect much. A quiet dinner with my family, a few calls from friends, maybe some new books. But when my grandfather handed me a small, worn-out box, something inside me stirred. His eyes twinkled behind thick glasses, and a mischievous grin crept up on his face.**

****

**“Happy birthday, Emma,” he said, patting my shoulder.**

****

**I smiled, peeling the faded pape...

I always looked up to you, a true role model,

But it was your eyes and smile that captured my soul.

When you replied to me, I felt pure delight,

But I couldn't always respond right, and I'm sorry if it seemed impolite.

My intentions were pure, never to disrespect,

I just couldn't express my feelings in a clear aspect.

I have dreams to chase and goals to meet,

Responsibilities that keep me on my f...

_I lay an wait _

_For a new tomorrow _

_For today is done _

_And no actions could relieve the sorrow _

_I understand to hear sincerity_

_I miss what I cannot change _

_But I will try to enjoy what I cannot control_

_For I can pray for a better tomorrow _...

We had just moved into an old Victorian house, and we were still unpacking when my birthday came around; the occasion was bittersweet as the whole house was preoccupied with chores and unpacking boxes. I'm pretty sure that, with all the chaos, my family forgot it was my birthday. As the middle child of four kids with parents who never stop working, it's easy to be overlooked; Massie left early thi...

It was Saturday, six days after my twelfth birthday. Six days after I’d gotten the magic glasses from my fairy godmother—er, fairy great-aunt. By marriage.

Only on that day had I put them on in the daytime. I dared not do so today, not even though there was no school and the other kids wouldn’t see me looking like an old lady.

It was because of what the king of the sun had said: that these gl...

It was Friday, five days after my twelfth birthday. Five days after I’d gotten the magic glasses from my fairy godmother—er, fairy great-aunt. By marriage.

Only on that day had I put them on in the daytime. I hadn’t dared to do so the previous day, and not just because they made me look like an old lady and I didn’t want the other girls to laugh at me.

It was because of what the king of the s...

It was Thursday, four days after my twelfth birthday. Four days after I’d gotten the magic glasses from my fairy godmother—er, fairy great-aunt. By marriage.

Only on that day had I put them on in the daytime. I hadn’t dared to do so the previous day, and not just because they made me look like an old lady and I didn’t want the other girls to laugh at me.

It was because of what the king of the...

It was Wednesday, three days after my twelfth birthday. Three days after I’d gotten the magic glasses from my fairy godmother—er, fairy great-aunt. By marriage.

Only on that day had I put them on in the daytime. I hadn’t dared to do so the previous day, and not just because they made me look like an old lady and I didn’t want the other girls to laugh at me.

It was because of what the king of ...

It was Tuesday, two days after my twelfth birthday. Two days after I’d gotten the magic glasses from my fairy godmother—er, fairy great-aunt. By marriage.

Only on that day had I put them on in the daytime. I hadn’t dared to do so the previous day, and not just because they made me look like an old lady and I didn’t want the other girls to laugh at me.

It was because of what the king of the su...