Arlene’s life changed dramatically when her 10-year-old son Leo called to beg her to save him from his grandmother’s house. Leo had gone to stay with his loving grandma Martha for the summer two weeks before. Even though they didn’t agree on how to raise a child, Arlene trusted Martha.
Arlene’s worst fears came true when she got the urgent call. She ran to Martha’s house, scared to death and her mind running with all the bad things that could happen. The door was wide open, and there was a strange quiet. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” was written in a strange note.
Arlene found out it was a surprise party as her family and friends came in. She felt better when she saw that Leo was safe. But then there was confusion and anger. Leo and Brandon planned the surprise to make the party one that everyone would remember.
Arlene went from being shocked at first to laughing and being thankful over time. Even though the surprise was badly planned, she loved the love and thought that went into it. Arlene thought about what had happened while getting her family to promise not to pull another joke like this again.
When love and good goals come together, bad things can happen. This event turned into a great, if dramatic, birthday story. Even though Arlene’s heart still skipped a beat when she thought about how scared she was, love and forgiveness won out.
Even though the surprise party was a bad idea, it made Arlene think of how much her family loved her. She realised that the most memorable moments in life often come from actions that aren’t perfect but are still loving. In this way, Arlene’s birthday gift showed how powerful love and forgiveness can be.
