Chapter 1 - one
A chorus of singing, off-key but enthusiastic, jolted Suzy awake. Sunlight peeked through the curtains, painting stripes across her eyelids. Then came the unmistakable scent of pancakes, fluffy and dripping with maple syrup. It was her birthday!
Suzy threw off the covers to find herself surrounded by a sea of balloons in every color imaginable. Banners proclaiming "Happy Birthday, Suzy!" hung across the room, and nestled beside her pillow was a small, beautifully wrapped package. A wave of warmth washed over her. Her parents were the best.
"Happy birthday, sleepyhead!" Her mom, Sarah, burst into the room, a beaming smile on her face and a plate piled high with pancakes in her hand. Behind her, Dad peeked in, a goofy grin splitting his face. He held a single, perfect red rose.
Suzy scrambled out of bed and threw her arms around her parents in a giant hug. "Thank you," she mumbled, burying her nose in Sarah’s flowery apron.
"Thirty whole years old today," Sarah teased, ruffling Suzy’s hair. "Getting old, aren’t you?"
Suzy swatted her playfully. "Ha ha, very funny. Thanks for the pancakes, Mom. They smell amazing."
"Your dad helped," Sarah admitted with a wink. "Actually, he did most of the work. I just flipped."
Dad puffed out his chest proudly. "I used to be a short-order cook, you know. Had a knack for the griddle."
Suzy laughed, knowing the only time her dad had ever been near a griddle was at a diner. But she appreciated his effort, and the burnt edges on the pancakes only added to the charm.