Since then, Alice has talked about
nothing but birthday candles and wishes.
“You should close your eyes.”
T told her.
“Why? Did you find a candle?”
she asked hopefully.
I wish, but we both knew there
wasn't a dry match left in the world. We
don't even use fire anymore because
everything is too wet to burn.
“Just be patient,” I said. I led Alice
through our home pod and into the
kitchen. “OK. Open your eyes.”
The room was filled with people.
All our neighbors, family, and friends
had come. Everyone was holding a
flashlight. Alice squealed with delight.
Then we all began to sing. People
waved their flashlights back and forth
making rainbows in the water that
dripped from the ceiling.
“It's time to make your wish,” I said
when the song was done.
“But how?”
“Think of what you want and blow.”
Alice thought hard. She took a
deep breath. As she blew, everyone
in the room turned off their flashlights
and cheered.
“Great job,
kid! I'm sure
your wish will
come true.”
“It already has.
Thave the best
brother in the
whole, wet world.”
smiled Alice.