My Short Short for the Day

 Happy Birthday to you

You live in a zoo

You look like a monkey

And smell like one, too!

“Carl, that is not appropriate!”  Mom scolded.

Carl smirked and when Mom turned to cut the cake, he made a funny face at Abby.  Abby giggled.

“Ok, first piece for the birthday girl.”  Mom set a tiny slice of cake in front of Abby.

“Huh?”  Abby was confused.  Where was the rest of the cake?  This piece would take about 2 maybe 3 forkfuls to eat.

Carl shoveled his cake into his mouth as if someone might steal it from him.  When he finished, he got up and winked at Abby, took a breath and yelled before shooting across the room running wildly and flailing his arms.  He was great at faking a sugar rush.

Abby immediately crawled across the table towards the yummy chocolate cake.  The candles weren’t lit anymore but Mom hadn’t taken them out.  No problem, Abby thought.

Carl made several laps around the yard, weaving through the swings, racing up and down the slide, hurdling toys and pausing for a moment to pet Butters.  Butters watched Carl’s antics, smiling and wagging his tale.  Mom was chasing him all over the yard, but Carl was too quick.  After about 5 minutes of running around, Carl turned back towards the house.  He ran into the living room and through to the dining room.  He reached the table and plopped into his chair.  He was breathing heavy but smiling at Abby.

“Abby!”  Mom stopped short. 

Abby was covered with chocolate, frosting and sprinkles.  There as a candle stuck in her hair and a large, chocolatey grin on her face.  One hand was in the cake and the other had a fistful of cake heading towards her mouth.  She froze.

“Honey, no!  Oh, dear.  What a mess.”  Mom stepped towards the table.  She carefully picked up Abby.  “Looks like bath time will be early today.”  She headed towards the bathroom.  “Don’t think I forgot about you Carl.”

Carl leaned forward, grabbed a handful of cake and leaned back in his chair.  He was a good big brother.