‘The Birthday Party’ by Melisa Gregorio

There’s nothing quite like the jittery delight kindled by a stack of birthday presents, wrapped and ribboned and all for you! Except, perhaps — for the bibliophiles among us — the joyful anticipation sparked when opening a new book. What wondrous surprises are hidden beneath the captivating cover?

Every Tuesday, with excerpts from Issue 26, we are tearing off a corner piece of literary wrapping paper and sneaking a peek at the gift inside. This week, in ‘The Birthday Party’, Melisa Gregorio reminds us that ripping in to life sometimes comes with its own shocking surprise.

The Birthday Party

by Melisa Gregorio

Even at nine years old, Ashley was the type who knew and used our teacher’s first name. “Irene,” she whispered to us. We repeated it among ourselves, the name as forbidden as a swear word. On the day of Ashley’s birthday party, the eight of us lined up outside her house. We poked each other and dared one another to ring the doorbell. When someone finally lifted a hand toward the door, it was opened by Ashley’s mom. Our feet were already too big for the tsinelas she offered us, but after we took off our rain jackets and boots, we shoved our feet into the jewelled slippers. 

In the living room, we saw Ashley bouncing from couch to couch. The plastic coverings made her slip with every jump. Balloons were scattered across the floor, bobbing up and down as if afraid to land on the carpet. 

Instead of saying hi, Ashley leapt off a couch onto a balloon. Pop! Immediately, we started jumping on the balloons, causing a gunfire of pops. We had dropped our gifts to join the fun, and there was a sudden silence when Ashley picked up a present and opened it. How dare she? We stood, frozen — everyone knew it was food, cake, games, then presents, goody bags, home. This breach of party etiquette was typical of Ashley: she did what she wanted. 

Ashley unwrapped the gift to reveal Little Women. “What a waste of money,” she said, and dropped the book. “We have this in the library.” 

The shocked silence continued. Ashley picked up another present, but dropped it when her mom came in from the kitchen. On the living room table, she set down platters of lumpia and pancit. “Come eat! It’s no good cold,” she said. Everyone grabbed a plate and helped themselves to spring rolls and noodles. Ashley didn’t eat, but instead sat cross-legged on the couch. 

We finished eating and carried our plates to the kitchen. Ashley’s mother asked if we were ready for cake. We nodded and returned to the living room, only to see Ashley was gone. 

To find out what happens next, pick up your copy of Issue 26, Spring 2020 here!

Melisa Gregorio’s fiction has appeared in Pearls, Ricepaper, and elsewhere. She is completing a collection of short stories and revising her first novel. In addition to being a writer, Melisa works as a master’s-prepared registered nurse specializing in education and clinical informatics.