Friday, August 1, 2008

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I waited until August first, since Klara's birthday was June first.

It was the two month anniversary, or at least that's how I wanted to think

about it for the time being.

While she had been busy in town picking up a few things for her

mother I decided to take some of the leftover decorations from Anna and

Alice's celebration and decorate our favorite spot in the woods.

Previously, while taking a trip into town, I had managed to snag a big bag

of fake candles from one of the shops without Klara noticing. I checked

them out and shoved them deep into the backpack I had brought with me.

They looked like little tea lights, but they were battery operated and had

no real flame. They did flicker the same way, though, and that was all

that really mattered.

I turned them on and laid them out in our spot once it started to

get a little darker out, and the whole area lit up with a dim glow that

made the woods suddenly feel cozy, and more like home. The

atmosphere was perfect.

I ran back to the house to get Klara, who was back now, playing

with Anna and Alice. She smiled when I walked in the door.

"I found something you have to see," I said. "Come with me."

She got to her feet and followed me out the door.

"Where have you been all day?" she asked. "I haven't seen you

since I got bck from town.

"I've been busy."

She looked at me curiously, but didn't question it any farther.

"What have you found?" she asked instead.

"It's a surprise. You'll see when we get there."

When she was close enough I told her to cover her eyes. I then

gently directed her along the path that led to our spot. She couldn't help

but giggle nervously, a habit of hers when she started to get nevous.

"Where are you leading me?" she asked. "What's going on."

"Shhh... You'll see."

When we got to our spot I sat her down on a log and told her to

uncover her eyes. When she did, they widened and her mouth fell open in

shock.

"Oh my... this is beautiful!"

"Happy belated birthday, Klara. You are officially an adult!"

She laughed.

"Oh, Sadie, you didn't have to."

I smiled and sat down next to her, pulling her into my arms.

"But I wanted to."

I pulled a small package our of my hoodie pocket and handed it

to her. She held out her hand, tentatively.

"What is this?" she asked.

"You're present," I answered. "Don't think I wouldn't get you a

present for this milestone birthday of yours."

Klara carefully unwrapped the small present. When she freed the

box from all of the paper she lifted the lid in peered inside. A smile lit up

her face as she pulled out the small, plush, legless Yoda doll that was just

shorter than the length of her hand.

"Oh my gosh! This is so adorable!"

"It's small, but I found it in one of the shops the other day and I

knew you would really like it."

She gave me a tight hug that seemed to last quite a long time.

When she finally pulled away she looked me in the eye and smiled

faintly.

"I don't just like it. I love it," she said, her voice barely over a

whisper. "Thank you!"

I leaned my head on her shoulder as she held on the the doll and

ran her fingers over his soft robe. I'm not sure how long we stayed there

like that.

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