It’s my special day today, one that has me on pins and needles. Today is the day where everyone must wear their best finery, and the China that is least chipped set out for tea and desserts. Balloons of every color will be in attendance, a floating, rainbow feast for the eyes. Today is my special day, you see, and it must be just so.

Flashy pinwheels and cakes, ice cream floats, and games like Chase the Great Snake will be there for everyone to enjoy. Today will be a great fountain filled with gouts of great laughter. Today is my special day after all, and it must be just so.

Sunup until almost sundown will be filled with such tales, a cartwheel of boisterous stories, confettied with tearful remembrance, layered with cheerful giggles. But when the light in the sky fades to an orange and pink glow, candles and lanterns will be lit before the night can encroach. Then as darkness falls over the cheery crowd, a bag will go over my head, and they’ll open my veins for the Ones Below. Friends and family will say their farewells until next year’s party, because it must be just so.