It's an ordinary day for everyone but little Marigold. It was that one day a year that she used to celebrate with her daddy, her birthday. What made this year unusual was that her daddy wasn't there.

"Daddy promised he'd take me to the park today," said Marigold looking up at her nanny

"Daddy is busy and says he'll be back this evening with a present" replied the older woman holding her hand

"But daddy promised," She said looking down with a pout

Needless to say Marigold was disappointed. Her father Midas broke another promise. It was beginning to look like the grimmest birthday ever. She already knew how this day would end. Midas would come home late with some new toy from the factory and apologize saying "Daddy will make up for it. How about I get you a..." just like every other day when he broke promises. He gives presents she don't want nor need then disappears.

"hey little one, you look like you need a little sweetness," a man said smiling down at her. She can't tell much about the man. His eyes were bloodshot and his face was plump and flushed. He reeked of something she can't quite pin down but his smile seemed genuine.

"It's my birthday today" she replied

"ah well then why dun you take this sweet girl. Might make your day a bit sweeter," said the man handing her a lollipop

"thank you mister" she replied smiling a bit

"Well little one if you can have anything in the word what would it be?" the man asked looking at her with the same goofy grin

"Pwobably that daddy would have the golden touch so he wouldn't have to work all the time and stay home with me like he used to," she replied wistfully

"Well it's your birthday and on birthdays wishes come true," the man replied

"you're nice" she ended as she walked back to her nanny

"Have a great day little girl," the man said waving at her

"Nana, will Daddy be home tonight for my birthday?" Marigold asked as she popped the treat into her mouth

"Well I'm sure he will be or at least he would try to be," reassured the older woman

"Thank you nana," replied Marigold

"You are most welcome now why don't we go home. It's getting rather late and we don't want you to miss bed time now do we Mari?" replied her nana as they walked back to the estate

Little did they all know that the next day they'd all wake up to something a little more than the ordinary.