Yours Truly (Post Malone)

24

I woke up bright and early in the morning to get ready. Austin was already awake and out of bed. We went downstairs to make the breakfast that Winter had said she wanted. She wanted breakfast burritos and I couldn't say no.

Austin and I were probably in the kitchen for about ten minutes before Winter stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes tiredly. Her hair was a mess and she looked quite disheveled.

"Good morning, birthday girl!" Austin exclaimed. "We made the breakfast you asked for."

Winter got into a stool at the breakfast bar, yawning. "Okay. I'm starving. Is it almost done?"

"Almost," I replied. "What do you want to drink?"

"Apple juice," Winter mumbled, resting her chin on her hands.

In a moment, I had a cup of apple juice and a plate with a breakfast burrito on it for Winter. The three of us sat at the table to eat together. In no time, Winter had woken up more and had a smile on her face. She was done first and she got up, putting her dishes away.

She came up beside me, leaning against me. "I got my outfit picked out. It's perfect."

"Why don't you get changed then?" I suggested. "We'll be leaving after breakfast."

Winter left as Austin and I were finishing our breakfast. We put our dishes away and went to change too. Once I was changed, I brushed out my hair and put on a hat. We met Winter in the living room and went out to my Chevy Impala. Austin wanted to drive it as he hadn't had the chance to and he loved my old car.

We were settled in no time and were off to a nearby park. We were having the party there and the trunk was already filled with her presents. Austin was grilling hamburgers for lunch and a few of the kids Winter had befriended were meeting us there. Winter wanted something fun and outside. A park with a trail in the woods nearby was as close as we could.

When we arrived, there were a few of Winter's classmates there. Winter seemed surprised that they were there but went over to them with a smile on her face. Austin and I unloaded the presents and joined the others. Austin went back to grab the food while I greeted the guests. He came back and started cooking while talking with one of the other dads that were there.

When the food was done, I helped pass out the plates of food. Winter was smiling and laughing with the other children. They ate, going to the playground after they were finished. Austin ran to the store while they were playing to get the cake and ice cream.

Winter came up to me a few minutes later. "When are we getting cake, Mom?"

"Soon," I replied. "Austin went to get it. He'll be back in a couple minutes."

"Okay. Are we going to open presents after that?"

"Yes, baby," I replied. 

Winter turned and went back to the playground. The other kids were playing nicely with her, barely acknowledging that she was on crutches. I watched them with a smile. I had heard from her teachers that the other students were treating her fine, not saying anything about her missing leg and the crutches. We had already talked to a doctor about getting a prosthetic and it was in the works for her to get one. It wasn't going to be long before we were getting one for her.

Austin showed up in a couple minutes with the cake and ice cream. All the kids came over as soon as they saw what Austin were bringing. Winter got to blow out the candles and got the first plate. When everyone was done with the dessert, the presents were given to Winter to open. She had a lot of new books and clothes.

The last present was something she didn't even ask for but Austin and I knew that she wanted. We had invited Teddy Swims to come surprise her. We were thinking that he wasn't going to come because it was a nine year old's birthday but Teddy surprised even us with coming. He was impressed by Winter's talent and wanted to see how her skills had improved in the time since he had last seen her.