The day was normal as the rest. I woke up from the annoying beeping of my alarm and rolled out of bed. After I had gotten dressed and brushed my teeth I walked downstairs.

"Mom?" I called, not seeing her in the office. Then I walked over to the kitchen and was startled.

"Happy birthday!" My mom yelled, assaulting me with a can of silly string. I laughed, trying to block it with my hands.

"Mom stop!" I said trying to catch my breath from laughing. She stopped and presented me with a muffin with a lit candle in it. At least she tried. I had to give her points for that.

"Oh my little 18 year old man!" She exclaimed, setting down the plate and hugging me. Crushing me might be a better word.

"Mom- need to breathe." I choked out.

She let go and held me at arm length, "Sorry. I'm just so happy." She beamed at me. "Now eat your muffin and get to school."

I smiled back. Things had just started to get better ever since my dad died. He worked in the mines and happened to be in the one that collapsed.

I scarfed down my muffin and grabbed my backpack, slinging on one shoulder, "By mom!"

"Bye!" I heard her reply from her office. I walked out the door, picked up my bike, and was off.