Michael

Then

I heard a lot of movement downstairs as I decided to wake up and start the new day. 28th December. Three days after Christmas. My birthday. I heard someone screaming something downstairs. It sounded like Kelly. Did she come over to celebrate? Then I heard Mum's voice. She didn't sound too pleased. I heard her scolding voice screaming, "Joshua Francis Tyler and Jonathan Dillon Tyler! That was not very nice of you guys! Apologise at once!" "Yes mum. Sorry mum." I heard them say. "What about to Kelly? You must have scared her too." "It's fine. They don't need to apologise to me." Kelly said. "Nonsense." My mum loves to embarrass us boys. She never had a daughter of her own so she treats Kelly as a daughter. "Sorry Kelly." Josh and John said. "Clean this mess up at once! And when you're done, go to your brother's room to celebrate his birthday." I thought they had forgotten, but they might have been making my birthday surprise.

"Happy birthday Hunter!" Mum, Kelly, Josh, and John screamed as they carried up trays filled with food and presents. "Thanks you guys!" I said. I saw John carrying a package that I didn't recognise. When he got closer, I saw an American stamp on it. It was a package from Dad. My dad was helping out the British and American army. I hadn't thought about the war that much. What I remembered is that once you turn 18 you need to sign up for a draft. John threw the package onto my lap, disrupting my thoughts. I put getting drafted to the back of my mind. Mum, Kelly, and Josh put down what they were holding as well. Everything looked so good. The food smelled nice, the presents were nicely wrapped, and of course the package from Dad. He didn't forget about my birthday. "Hunter. Do you want to eat or open presents first?" Mum asked. I thought about it for a bit. "I think I'll eat so the food doesn't get cold." I said. So I ate my breakfast in bed and opened up my presents. Mum knit me a scarf, Kelly bought me a shirt, and the twins bought me a video game. I saved Dad's package for last. In it was a canteen that was used in the military. It was polished quite nicely and looked really cool. It made me think of the draft again.