Hiraeth: Blackout (I)

Chapter Nineteen

I ran down the stairs as fast as I could. Early morning Sun drifted through the hall windows. I bounded past the sweet-smelling kitchen and into the living room, which was crowded with presents. Presents that had not been there last Night.

It was the thirty-first Day of Winter. Silent snow was falling outside. I knew this Day, and I knew it well.

I squealed at the sight of so many gifts, counting a total of eight. Two big ones, two medium-sized ones, two small ones, one itty-bitty one on the coffee table by the couch, and a small water-filled cup with a mudfish in it.

"MOMMY! DADDY!" I called, jumping up and down with excitement.

"We're comin', give us a second, champ!" my dad's voice responded from the hall.

"On our way down!" my mom called with a laugh.

My parents hurried into the living room and sat on the couch. I looked at them admiringly.

My father's dark brown eyes sparkled with joy. His messy auburn hair rivaled my mother's darker hair. Her eyes matched mine, as did her face.

All I could think as I smiled at them was how perfect the day was going to be.

"Open your presents!" my mom finally said, and I went for the smallest package first.

I gasped as soon as I ripped open the little box of guitar picks. "Thank you!"

My parents grinned.

I felt so happy.

They encouraged me to keep going, and I tore into another box as fast as I could. Then another, and another. Each gift made them smile more. Each thank you and each hug.

I danced when I unwrapped a brand-new guitar case and straps. It was the final gift.

"Eight presents for our amazing eight-year-old," Dad said proudly.

"You know, Mike," Mom told me softly, "You're nearly ten now. Soon you'll be in the double-digits and we'll have to get you starting your own band."

My mouth dropped open. "Really, Mommy?!"

"Really!"

After I messed around with my new things, it was time for cake. Vanilla and lemon, Mom and I's favorite.

Next, we set up the mudfish's tank in my bedroom. I named him Dennis.

Then we went to the park and I tried out my new ice skates at the pond. My parents insisted that I was a natural.

Finally, that evening, we played music together.

After a fun-filled Day of celebration, I was ready for bed. Mom and Dad tucked me in.

"Good-Night, my sweet boy," my mother said tenderly. "With each birthday, I Love you more."

"I Love you, too," my father added with a pat to my head.

Mom kissed my cheek, turned out the lights, and shut the door behind her.

I fell asleep with my new stuffed dragon and a smile on my face.

#

"Mike, go to Auntie Ivy's house right now!" Dad screamed frantically, holding Mom up.

"What's happening, Daddy?!" I asked fearfully, my body going cold and shaky.

My mom was gasping for air in his arms. Her eyes were heavy, forehead beaded with sweat. She kept saying how her shoulder and chest hurt, how it felt like her insides were going to explode out of her.