But Carly says I’m not a real Pony Girl Real Pony Girls are eight years old I’m only seven But Aunt Jane let me come to camp anyway because she’s friends with my mama I studied the postcard Who’s it from asked Dani My mama I cleared my throat and read Hey Little Miss Sunshine Hope you’re having fun in camp Love Mama it Then I felt sad I missed my mama And my dog Barkley And everyone and everything else back home 6
Mama said Storm Cliff Stables is only twenty miles away from home But it’s been feeling more like twenty million trillion gazillion bajillion miles away 7
Aunt Jane touched my cheek Your mama nicknamed you Little Miss Sunshine the day you were born You’re still as sunny as ever I stood up taller I’m not so little anymore Almost eight you know Almost she said Just like every year we’ll have a nice lunch together on your birthday I gave Aunt Jane my sunniest smile Then I shoved my postcard in my pocket Aunt Jane turned to the others before leaving Lots of care packages 8
arrived today Head down to the Green Canteen and get them My smile disappeared Fast What’s wrong asked Dani I hope I get one today Especially cause it’s you know my birthday Carly crinkled her nose Your birthday isn’t today Then she put her hands on her hips Why haven’t you gotten any care packages yet Dani hugged me I’m sure your mom sent one for your birthday And for the Miss Firecracker Talent Show said Gabriela 9
