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A/n this takes place after "Nameless, Faceless," and before Haley's death.

Birthday Party

Mommy said that today is my first birthday. I asked her what a birthday is, but she didn't understand, as usual. She said we'd have a party and that all my friends and family will attend.

Mommy said I'm lucky because I have lots of family and friends that love me, like Johnny, Miguel, and Keisha at Mommy and Baby playgroup. I hope Aunty Penny and Uncle Spencer come, too. Also, I want to see Aunty Emily, Uncle Derek, Uncle Dave, and Uncle Aaron. I like all mommy's work family.

Daddy said that we'd have cake and presents. I don't know what cake is, but I know what presents are because Aunty Penny gives them to me sometimes. I like my stuffed puppy with the big, floppy ears. It's soft, and I can chew on it. Mommy said Doggy's name is Clyde.

I opened my eyes after naptime and Mommy was there with Uncle Spence. I told him how glad I am to see him. "Hi, Uncle Spence."

"Hi, Henry. Did you have a good nap?"

"Yes, but I want to get out now."

I held up my arms, but Mommy picked me up instead. I wanted Uncle Spence, and I tried to tell her. "Hey baby star, Uncle Spence can't hold you right now because he has an owie and needs his hands to help him walk."

I noticed that Uncle Spencer seemed to have extra legs that looked very strange and a little scary. I told Mommy I didn't like the extra legs.

"Hey, don't cry, Henry," Uncle Spencer said. "I'll sit in your favorite rocking chair."

"You sure, Spence. You should have your leg elevated."

"I'm sure."

Uncle Spence sat, and he made a noise that sounded sad, and I didn't like it. "Henry," Uncle Spence said when Mommy put me in his arms. "I know that you're sensing that something isn't right, but I'm okay.

I wasn't sure if Uncle Spence was okay, but he was holding me, and I felt safe, so I decided not to be upset.

"Oh, you're getting big," Uncle Spence said after he was quiet for a long time.

"Mommy says I'm her little star and daddy says I'm a big boy now."

"I don't like birthdays." Uncle Spence said.

"Why not? They're fun."

"Sometimes, I wish I could be a little boy again and change everything that happened to me."

"You were a little boy, too!"

"Birthdays always remind me of Gideon. He gave me a special present for my birthday – football tickets. I liked them, but they made me think of a scary time."

"Mommy says that when I'm scared to remember that she loves me."

"Gideon left, and I haven't talked to him for two years. I miss him."

Uncle Spence sounded sad. I wanted him to be happy, so I laughed.

"Hey, are you happy you have a party with cake and gifts?"

"I like presents. What's cake, Uncle Spencer."

"I think you'll like your party because Uncle Derek and Aunty Penelope are here. Uncle Dave and Aunt Emily will come. Uncle Aaron might not come to your party. He's sad right now."

"Why?" Uncle Spencer didn't explain why so I decided to give him Clyde. "Mommy said that Clyde would make me happy if I feel sad. She said to hold onto him, and he'd protect me."

"Thank you, Henry."

Uncle Spence held Clyde where I could reach him and smiled at me. He didn't look sad anymore, so I laughed again.

"You always make me happy when I spend time with you, Henry."

"Daddy says that I make him and Mommy happy, too."

"Why don't I read to you before the other's arrive."

Uncle Spence found a book on a table by Mommy's chair. It's my favorite story about a baby star, just like me.

"Hey."

Mommy came into my room and said that Uncle Derek and Aunty Penny were here. "Should we go see them?" Uncle Spence asked.

"Yay, I like Uncle Derek. He makes neat sounds with my cars."

We went to the place where all the big people sit around and talk to each other. Why do big people talk so much?

Aunty Penny took me away from Mommy and kissed me all over my face. Uncle Derek laughed at her.

"Hush up, chocolate thunder. I must kiss my beautiful godson."

What is chocolate thunder? I asked Aunty Penny, but she didn't listen.

It was a long time before Uncle Spence held me again. I wanted him to talk to me, but I wanted the sleeping place, too.

"Hey, Henry, did you have a good birthday?"

"Yes, it was fun."

Mommy put me in my sleeping place and said. "I'll leave you two alone."

"It's time to go to sleep, Henry," Uncle Spence said. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Uncle Spence.

I'm not sure what love is, but I think it's something good because it makes Mommy, Daddy, and Uncle Spence smile.

"Sweet dreams," Uncle Spence said, and he turned on the swinging animals over my sleeping place. I like them. Maybe when I open my eyes again, Uncle Spence will be there, and he won't be sad anymore.