It was the best of birthdays, it was the worst of birthdays. Really, it depended on who you asked.

“There was cake, the games were great, and everyone showed up!” he exclaimed to his parents at the dinner table.

His sibling snorted. “The cake was vanilla, the games were boring, and there were too many people.”

“Let him finish first,” said the husband, well practiced in dealing with their pessimism.

Their brother continued. “There were balloons-”

“Which everyone let float away.”

“Are you done with your dinner?” the wife asked them, pointedly. “Dessert isn’t ready yet.”

They could smell the brownies. They decided that was a little more important and let their brother continue talking about the birthday party.