The Surprise Party

It is Father's birthday. Mother has a big plan. It is a plan and a game too. "We will not tell Father," she says to the children. Lucy and Ben smile. They love this plan.

Father is at work. Mother and the children have many hours before he comes home. They must be quick. "Come, we have many things to do," Mother says.

First, they clean the room. Lucy puts flowers on the table. Ben puts up lights. "The room looks very nice now," Mother says.

Then Mother makes food. It is sweet and good. She puts the food on the table. Lucy puts a gift by it. "Father will love this," Ben says.

Soon the friends arrive. They come to the door, quiet and slow. "Come in," Mother says. "Do not make a sound." They do not say a word.

Now they wait. Mother looks at the time. "Father will be home soon," she says. "Hide!" The children hide by the bed. The friends hide under the table and by the door. Mother turns the lights low. The room is dark.

They hear a car. They hear the key in the door. The door opens. Father comes in. He is tired after his long day at work.

"Happy birthday!" they all shout. They jump out. The lights come on. Father stops. His eyes are big. He does not know what to say. He did not know about the party.

Then Father laughs. He is so happy. "This is wonderful!" he says. "Thank you, all of you." Mother gives him a big kiss. Lucy and Ben smile.

They sing for Father. They eat the sweet food. Father opens his gift. They all talk and laugh. The children dance, and Father dances too.

It is a happy night, full of love. Father looks at his family and his friends. "What a party," he says. "This is the best birthday." He is very happy, and so are they all.