I woke up excitedly. This day was special. It was my birthday and I was sure that I was going to receive a great deal of wishes and presents this year. I got off from my bed and rushed to my bathroom to get dressed in the best possible manner. I wore the beautiful dress that I had bought especially for this day. I slipped on my twinkling jewellery, put on some light make-up, dressed my hair and went down for breakfast.
Mom was in the kitchen. I flashed a bright smile at her, waiting for her to wish me and give me a hug. But my smile soon vanished as my mother started rolling with laughter. I was confused. I asked her what was the matter? Controlling her laughter, she managed to answer me, which sounded something like, “Why are you dressed up like that early in the morning? Are you alright?”

I started wondering what was wrong with her, and my worries grew even more when she stopped laughing suddenly. With a concerned face she came towards me. She tapped my cheek twice and asked, “Honey, are you sleepwalking?”

I wanted to burst out in anger. I wanted to scream at her. I wanted to tell her that I was dressed up because it was my birthday! But then, something struck my mind. I said to myself, 'Is mom alright?' I had no idea what to say to her. I just told her that I'll be right back and then went up to my room.

I changed into a casual dress and just when I was about to start crying with my head buried in the pillow, my mom came. She seemed more composed. She told me that she was sorry for her behaviour downstairs, she just couldn't control it. She gave me a hug and took me down for breakfast. I breathed a sigh of relief. I realised that nothing was wrong with her. She had only forgotten my birthday. I decided not to tell her myself.

After a few moments, my brother and my father came for breakfast as well. I gave them both the same flashy smile, but was heartbroken instantly when none of them wished me. I thought that maybe they are planning a surprise birthday party for me, and that was the reason none of them wished me. I felt excited as I love surprise birthday parties.

All day long, I stayed in my room so that my family could easily prepare for my party. I kept counting every passing second, impatiently. I logged on to the internet and didn't find a single birthday wish or card in the email. It excited me even more. I was imagining what presents I might get this year when my mom came to my room and said, “Why are you stuck in your room since morning? I'm concerned! Are you upset or anything?”

I smiled at her and told her that I was fine and I just wanted a little time to myself today. She smiled back and left.

In the evening, my mother came to me and said that she was leaving for her friend's house and if I wanted to come along as well. I knew she was trying to fool me and she only wanted me to get dressed for the party. I replied to her in affirmative and started dressing up. I held my breath when I was leaving my room, preparing myself for our house decorated with balloons and ribbons. I closed my eyes and stepped out of my room. Then I opened my eyes and it was surprise party, i received loads of gifts but my favourite one was from my mum, a watch, this was a cool birthday!