Another year, another birthday. Still a Saturday though, so after getting his early wake-up call from his mother, and the customary pack of cigarettes from his father, John Bender spent the day doing nothing at all, watched over by Vernon.
Finally it was three o'clock. Throwing his bag over his shoulder, he had to shield his eyes from the low, bright sunshine as he left the building, and didn't see the group waiting at the foot of the steps until they called his name.
Brian, Andrew, Allison and Claire sounded terrible singing the Birthday song, but bad enough to make him laugh. Then they parted, and he saw the cake on the ground behind them. Candles lit and everything. Wrapped gifts appeared from behind their backs.
John didn't say anything for a second, then, reaching back into his bag, he finally broke silence.
"Marlboro, anyone?"