I promise him I’d do everything br make it special; friends would bring br gifts - and we’d sing - but as time br drew near I listened listlessly as he br called friends still away on holiday; br I should have made another plan, br we could have thought of a different br scheme; but no, he wanted everything br on his birthday, and though just one br friend came, it had to be enough; br then back to school in private clothes br as birthday boy, and all jeered, br where’s the sweets and cake; dejectedly br he returned, I promised to prepare br bags of sweets, and put his older br sister on to this – she cold-heartedly br said you’re birthday’s done - and made br little pauper packages; this morning, br eyes brimming, he said, I cannot br hand these out; once again, let him br down…this afternoon I have one last br chance to redeem myself by making br lovely packages that will restore br his pride, make him grand br amongst his cocky friends…br br Margaret Alicebr br