A Pleasant Birthday

Mrs. Myrtle Standich celebrated her seventy-eighth birthday at Lola's Cafe for brunch at eleven o' clock. The party in attendance included Mrs. Ida Wilaby, Ms. Allison Tuttle, Mrs. Iris Fountain, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kennedy, Mrs. Janet Wyman, Mr. Walter Collier, Mrs. Lisa Ferden, Mrs. Gloria Rhinehouse, Mrs. Helen Gruben, Mrs. Marta Doyle, Mrs. Jillian Kirby, Mrs. Gwyneth Dice, and *Mrs. Dorothy Lamour.

Attention was paid to Mrs. Myrtle Standich as she ate her eggs florentine. Various references were made to the idea that, "this is a very special day." All present agreed to this. Mrs. Janet Wyman started the conversation by telling a delightful story about when she and Mrs. Myrtle Standich first met. The audience was attentive even though this particular story had been told numerous times before to all in attendance. Shortly after, Mrs. Marta Doyle added how funny it was that she and Mrs. Janet Wyman had met Mrs. Myrtle Standich at the same place, The Kalesburg Pharmacy, but at different times. The topic of whether this was fate or coincidence was discussed for upwards of ten minutes upon which it was decided that it was a combination of both.

Laughter was steady. And when a trio of singing waiters appeared from the kitchen door with the surprise cake, it was barely visible that Mrs. Myrtle Standich was agitated, having previously asked for the refrain of cake and singing. As the waiters sung, Mrs. Jillian Kirby reminisced of Mrs. Myrtle Standich's seventy-seventh birthday the previous year also at Lola's Cafe, saying, "Remember, Myrtle? You had the eggs florentine and even though you asked us not to serve cake, you still ate a slice when it arrived." "That's how we knew to get you one this year," said Mrs. Marta Doyle. This brought about a slight chuckle, of which all present excepting Mrs. Myrtle Standich took part. In the midst of this, Ms. Allison Tuttle, exclaimed, "Who wants a mimosa?" All eyes politely fixed on Mrs. Myrtle Standich, who as honoree answered for everyone when she said, "Oh, why not?" Slight jubilation was felt. Quipped Mr. Howard Kennedy, "Mimosas? I don't know about you, but I'll have a scotch!" This brought the table to its most whimsical disposition of the night. The disposition, however, would later turn into an awkward silence as Mr. Howard Kennedy did, in fact, order a scotch.

All present joined in song as the trio of waiters set the cake ever so delicatley on the table. Mrs. Myrtle Standich slightly blushed. Mr. Walter Collier said, "Make a wish." Mrs. Myrtle Standich took a deep breath and made a wish: That her next birthday be at this very table; that the mood be as cheerful, the company as dear, and that this time they would respect her wishes. To her dismay, Mrs. Myrtle Standich was unable to blow out all the candles.