“C’mon, hurry!”
An urgent whisper and the sound of shuffling feet filled what should have been a silent home, save for the running water upstairs.
Stalking her back to her house, the group had watched her enter a shower before quietly sneaking in. With them, they brought bags of colourful materials and a strange rectangular box.
One tiptoed into the kitchen, taking a few essential “tools” as the rest unpacked their goods around the house, scattering the goods everywhere.
Hearing the water stop, the group paused, opening the box and unloading the contents.
Creeping stealthily up the stairs, the head of the group counted a swift “3, 2, 1” before they burst into the room, crying out a festive, “Happy Birthday!” as they tossed up clouds of confetti.
A shrill squeal pierced the air as the shocked woman scrambled to cover herself, ripping her clothing off a bed.
Blinking at the scene, the group remained frozen.
Her best friend, holding up a magnificent cake, giggled awkwardly before speaking.
“Surprise?”