9-1-1 ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ ᴏɴᴇ sʜᴏᴛs

10th Birthday party - Eddie Diaz

Millie Diaz - 10

Millie Diaz woke up with a burst of excitement, her heart racing as the sun streamed through her bedroom window. Today was her 10th birthday, and she could hardly contain the joy bubbling inside her. She jumped out of bed, still in her cozy pajamas, and ran toward her bedroom door, the sound of her bare feet padding against the floor.

She didn't have to go far before the smell of bacon filled the air. As she entered the kitchen, her eyes widened at the sight before her. Eddie, her dad, was at the stove, flipping pancakes with a grin on his face. Christopher, her older brother, was already seated at the table, looking up from his cereal with a smile.

"Happy birthday, Millie!" Eddie greeted her, turning from the stove and spreading his arms wide for a hug.

Millie practically leaped into his arms, squeezing him tightly. "Thank you, Daddy!" she said, her voice full of excitement.

Christopher chimed in from the table. "Happy birthday, sis! You're in double digits now."

Millie beamed, feeling like today was already the best day ever. She sat at the table next to her brother, and Eddie placed a plate of pancakes in front of her, topped with whipped cream and strawberries—her favorite. He also set down a few wrapped presents, which had been waiting for her all morning.

"Open the gifts first," Eddie said, smiling as he handed her the first one, a small box with colorful wrapping paper.

Millie's hands tore through the wrapping with eager fingers, her eyes lighting up when she saw what was inside. It was a bracelet-making kit, something she had been eyeing for weeks. She squealed in delight.

"Thanks, Dad!" She hugged him again before turning to the next gift. She opened it quickly, revealing a pair of sparkly sneakers she had pointed out during their last shopping trip. "These are perfect!"

"Figured you'd like those," Eddie said with a wink. "You'll be the coolest kid at school with those on."

Millie's third and final gift was a board game she had been wanting to play with Christopher and her friends. She couldn't stop smiling as she looked at the pile of presents in front of her.

"I have the best dad ever," Millie declared, grinning up at Eddie, who ruffled her hair in response.

"Just wait until tonight," Eddie said, sliding into the seat across from her as he poured syrup onto her pancakes. "We've got your party all set up. Your friends are going to love it. How many of them did you say are coming again?"

Millie thought for a second, counting on her fingers. "I think almost everyone I invited said they're coming. So, like, twelve or thirteen?"

Eddie chuckled. "Well, it's going to be one full house. But hey, it's your birthday. You only turn ten once."

Millie couldn't stop the huge smile that spread across her face as she ate her pancakes. She was looking forward to school, but the thought of her birthday party later that evening made her even more excited. She had been talking about it all week, planning every little detail, and she couldn't wait to see her friends and celebrate.

After breakfast, Eddie helped Millie and Christopher get ready for school. Millie wore her new sneakers, and as she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt like today was the best day of her life. Her hair was tied up in a neat ponytail, and she was wearing her favorite shirt, the one with little butterflies on it.

"Alright, you two," Eddie said as he grabbed the car keys. "Let's get going before you're late."

Millie grabbed her backpack and followed Christopher out to the car. On the way to school, they chatted about the party, with Millie going over all the games and decorations she had planned.