12th July 1990. That was the day on which little Maddox came into his parents' lives - a blessing to his mum, a burden to his dad. But Miranda's love was so intense that it did not allow Maddox to feel that he was a burden to Mr Howard.

...............

Maddox was lying on bed, scrutinizing the calendar in his small notebook although it did not make much sense to him. He knew that in two days, he would be turning seven. Time slipped by.

It was the 10th of July 1997 - exactly one year since that fateful night where Maddox lost his best friend and his birthday was just around the corner. There was a mixture of feelings in his chest. He was still grieved by his loss, but, for some reasons, he wanted to celebrate his birthday.

Maddox has never had any birthday party like other kids of his age. His parents could not afford such extra expenses. Yet, Miranda would always make his day special by preparing his favourite dishes or buying his favourite chocolate bar and cookies. But this time, Maddox eagerly wanted to have a small birthday party with a birthday cake and candles. He wanted a party even if it would not be as grand as those of his school mates.

The only way he could get some money was by breaking open his piggy bank, the only one he has had since ages. One he would want to treasure as it was a gift from his pre-primary school teacher for Christmas. Yet, there was no other way to buy a birthday cake. As the piggy bank crashed on the floor, Maddox went down on his knees and gathered all the coins and the few notes which scattered down among the pieces of pink porcelain.

He counted the money and was disheartened to see that the money was not much. He would probably not be able to buy a birthday cake with such a pitiful amount. He thought hard to find a way out. Suddenly, he remembered that the sister of one of his classmates had a small bakery and she used to bake some nice cake whenever there was a party or any special occasion at school.

I'm sure Cheryl will make me a cute little cake which I can afford with this money.

The barely seven-year old boy stuffed the money into his pocket and sneaked out of the house, making sure that no one saw him.

******

"Where have you been?" cried a worried Miranda as Maddox came back home after accomplishing his exciting 'mission'. "I searched for you in the whole neighbourhood."

"Mum, I am inviting you to a birthday party the day after tomorrow, " said Maddox faking a serious tone as he closed the door behind him.

"Whose birthday party?" inquired Miranda still very tensed. "And, where-have-you-been?" asked Miranda stressing on each of her words.

"Mum, why are you always so worried for me? I'm not a baby anymore," Maddox whined.

"Because you are the only one I can call mine in this whole world," said Miranda in a broken voice. "You are my son, my best friend, my everything," she stopped as she was on the verge of crying.

Maddox gave Miranda a heartfelt smile and wrapped his little arms around her in an attempt to calm her down.

"I'm sorry, mum. I did not go far away. I'm sorry for not having informed you."

Miranda smiled back. She knew that as long as she would have her son, she would have a friend. She would have a companion. She hugged Maddox, feeling grieved by the fact that Maddox have matured beyond his age. He lost his childhood with the departure of his best friend.

******

"Today is the day," said Maddox to himself as he jumped out of his small shabby bed and rushed to the bathroom. The two days that went by were too long for the impatient little man.

12th July 1997. The much-awaited day was finally here. Maddox had already planned everything for his first birthday party - secretly. He did not know, it would be his last one as well.

As it was a Saturday, Maddox did not have to go to school and was alone at home. Miranda spent her Saturdays cleaning people's houses in the neighbourhood to earn some extra money for the household. Or more precisely, for her son. As for Mr Howard, his weekends were either spent in his part-time job as a driver or at some unknown friends' place.

Maddox spent hours in his bedroom and finally, he decided to slip out of the house to collect the birthday cake he ordered previously.

"Hello Cheryl," greeted the fair, all-smiling dimpled-cheek little boy as he entered the cosy little bakery.

"Hi Maddox," waved the pretty, busy-looking young lady.

"Is the cake ready?" Maddox asked, leaning against the counter, standing on the tip of his feet, trying to have a glance at the cake which was on the bakery counter.

"Just a few more minutes and it will be ready for you to take home," said Cheryl giving Maddox a tender smile, "I just have to write that special person's name on it along with the birthday wish."

As Maddox walked home, holding the small chocolate birthday cake with immense care, he felt a surge of emotions in this heart.

"Mum forgot about my birthday this time," he mumbled. "It must be because of all the stress she has to deal with," he convinced himself.

With some difficulties opening the gate and the front door, Maddox managed to step into the house. His parents were not yet home. He knew his dad may not even come until the next day as he used to stay out on Saturday nights. But his mother may reach home at any moment. He rushed to his room to settle everything down.

"Honey!"

Maddox rushed to open the front door as he heard Miranda's voice. He saw his mum holding a large packet in her hands.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart!" she smiled, kneeling down, her arms wide open.

"I thought you forgot mum!"

"How could I?"

"Mum, you know we have a party to attend, right?" Maddox winked.

"Oh really? I thought you were joking last time," Miranda said handing the packet she was holding to Maddox. "This is for you, your favourite cookies."

Maddox kissed Miranda's cheeks before she stood up. He then held her hand and guided her towards his room.

"Mum, please close your eyes," he requested in an amused tone.

When Miranda finally opened her eyes, she looked around her in disbelief. Maddox's room was transformed into a cute little party 'hall'. The little boy managed to decorate the room with coloured paper cut into different shapes and wildflowers which he probably picked from the nearby garden.

"And look at the birthday cake, Mum!" Maddox said pointing towards a chair in a corner of the room.

Maddox placed the cake on a chair as his room was deprived of a table or any proper furniture to hold the cake. Miranda moved closer and as her eyes fell on the cake, they widened in disbelief and tears filled them up in a quarter of a second.

She was shocked to see the words written on the birthday cake.