LUCA
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday my sweet munchkin! Happy birthday to you".
"Now close your eyes, make a wish, and blow out your candles". My mum's sweet sonorous voice could never get old. I looked around, faces smiling in anticipation of my blowing out the candles.
The cake was a tier big every year. I had to stand on a low fancy stool to reach this one. It wasn't a bother, I always looked forward to the new sizes and designs every year, my little heart abreast with joy.
I inhaled deeply and then blew the candles out amidst the enormous cheers that filled the room.
*****
"Mum? Mum?" The room was empty, strands of her rich auburn hair scattered across her rumpled bed.
