By Esih Efuru
I was very excited about my 13th birthday, praying for lots of presents and a chance to be seen as more than the resident bookworm. As I got dressed for my party, I dreamt about my reaction to the gifts and guests, all while enjoying two-layer party cake and cherry Kool-Aid. It would be an unforgettable day.
I kept an eye on the table designated for presents throughout the evening as I laughed and played with friends. As time went on, the table remained empty. Soon, the night ended, my house empty and the gift table bare. I was resentful of my friends and most of all, my mother. Why hadn’t she insisted on collecting presents? I decided to approach her to let her know how I felt.
I approached my mother’s lounge chair in the living room of our 4th story flat as she wearily watched her beloved “Star Trek.”
“I didn’t get any presents,” I said with a pout.
She slowly turned and asked, “What did you say?”
The Heart of the Giver was originally published on praisecharlotte.com
