The Birthday

By Maureen McDonald, age 14

Sarah's birthday was one month away, and it was a big birthday; she was turning eight. To Sarah's family, turning eight meant your tail was full-grown. Sarah and her family were squirrels. And to squirrels, having a full-grown tail is a big thing.

Sarah wanted to celebrate her birthday with a party, just as her six older siblings had. She jealously watched and attended those parties, secretly planning her own birthday. The only thing Sarah could think about was her party: who was going to be there, what presents she would get, and what games they would play. Sarah decided to get a head start on planning her party, so she asked her Mom.

"Hey mom, when can I have my birthday party?"

"Sarah, Sarah, Sarah, your birthday isn't for another month! Be patient-good things come when you are patient. Go clean your room," her mom grouchily replied. Sadly, Sarah did as she was told.

The next week, Sarah decided to ask her mother about the party.

"Hey mom, when can I have my birthday party?"

"Well, we are too busy. I don't think we will have time to have a party. Maybe next year. Sorry hun," her Mom replied.

"Wha_wha_what are you talking about? What do you mean we won't have time? All of the others- Sam, Scott, Sadie, Sally, Susie and Steve- all had parties. Why can't I have one? I'm sure you could find some time for me."

"I'm sorry, Sarah. We just can't do it right now," her mom answered, apologetically.

"Fine," Sarah said. She went and moped around, wanting to scream at her mom, but just figured she shouldn't.

The days went by slowly and Sarah grew eager for the presents she would get. She dreamt of that beautiful Tiffmunk's tail bracelet that she wanted so badly. That beautiful, jeweled bracelet, coming only in "Autumn Orange," "Swamp Green," "Ice Lake Crystal" and "Plum Weed Purple." Sarah had always
wanted a "Plum Weed Purple" one to match the purple earrings she got when she was younger. She would be the talk of the forest if she had it.

When the big day was less than a week away, Sarah's mom asked her what she wanted to do on her birthday.

"I guess I'll just go shopping," Sarah replied, gloomily.

"Okay, I'll have Sadie take you shopping. You two come home around 3:00 okay?" her mom directed.

"Okay - I'll go find some acorns in case I see something that I want to buy."

Finally, the day was here. Sarah and Sadie had gone shopping and purchased some cool clothes. For some reason, Sadie steered her out of getting a tail bracelet. When they got to their tree, Sarah opened the knothole and.."SURPRISE!" Her mother had thrown her a surprise party and everyone was
there! Best of all, she received the prettiest Tiffmunk's tail bracelet ever, in "Plum Weed Purple," of course!

And the moral of the fable is: always be patient and good things will come your way.