Scenes At a Child's Birthday Party

Dad had left on urgent business, something to do with a workers' dispute, and Mum was at the next-door neighbour's on one of her 'brief' visits. Mary, the birthday boy's elder sister, had just dished out the junkets. Martin, known for his irascible fits, arrived late. He started flicking blancmange around. His main target was Aloysius, though Jacob and Andreas got hit too. At the head of the table someone looked sad, trying to hide his tears, while smiling courageously. Birthday boys do want their guests to be happy. But then Calvin turned up, and started an argument. His'dispute" with Martin soon turned vehement, only to degenerate into a bawling match. Girls on the sidelines started to giggle - nervously. Karl, Jacob's distant cousin, was the last to arrive. He said birthday parties were silly and tugged the tablecloth. The din was hellish, enough to wake the dead. The birthday boy shook his head and sighed. "If only Dad and Mum were here." The guests looked at him and grew silent, some for shame, some in recognition, mindful of what the birthday party was all about.