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
Gabriela and Dani are cousins I nodded For my birthday I hope my mama sends me But no one was listening They were talking about the talent show I closed my eyes and made a wish Please let my mama send me a birthday treat and my harmonica I opened my eyes Did wishes even work without candles or stars Aunt Jane said the talent show winner gets to ride any horse she wants said Carly 10
We all knew who Carly would pick I’d ride Sapphire said Carly Sapphire is a beautiful chestnut thoroughbred mare Aunt Jane says she’s too big for Carly to ride alone If I win I said I’m going to pick Queenie or Duke I hope you lose said Carly Gabriela flared her nostrils That’s mean Carly whined I’m not mean Honest It’s just my only chance to ride Sapphire Then she grumbled 11
