Ken's 10th Birthday Party

Ken's parents thought that reaching a decade on this earth, especially for someone who had special needs, was a milestone. So, they decided to give him a birthday party.

But Ken hated birthday parties, especially if mascots were involved; he feared them. He would suddenly ask his mom to accompany him to the bathroom once he felt that a mascot was about to show up.

At age 10 his heart still raced just thinking about these mascots. And now, they 're going to the McDonald's PlayPlace to celebrate his birthday.

"Did you invite Sara?" his mom asked.

What's worse than the mascots was his cousin, who is a couple of months older. He hated her because she knew about his fear of those hooded characters. She never stopped teasing him about it. He could still remember the time she announced a giant bunny was about to do some magic tricks. She laughed out loud when Ken ran to the bathroom.

"Well," Ken said. "I think I did."

His mom looked at him through the rear mirror. "Did you or did you not?"

"I think I kind of forgot."

"Honey," her mom said. "Why did you forget?"

"Yeah," chimed his father. "Aunt Nelly died last year. I'm sure she's lonely."

"Anyway," his mom said to his dad. "I invited Ben to the party and told him to bring Sara along. I hope they'd come."

As they parked, Ken felt chills run through his body. He thought he could perhaps tolerate seeing Ronald, or Harmburglar, or even Birdie - he could relate to their shapes. But not Grimace. What did he represent, anyway?

Ken went pass the glass door, hoping it would not open automatically. When he got in, he saw there were guests already waiting for them. They immediately went to Ken, greeting him "Happy Birthday", and giving him their gifts. Uncle Tom and Aunt Ann gave him a big box, and Ken wondered what it could be. Uncle Jerry mushed his hair. Aunt Rita's perfume filled his nostrils.

There were cousins much older than him, and they just nodded at him. The others, younger ones, ignored him as they continued playing in the PlayPlace.

Ken did not mind all the guests. He was looking for someone, someone he hoped was not present.

"Happy birthday!"

Ken's shoulders quickly sagged as he heard the familiar voice. He looked around and saw Sara, with that mischievous smile that he dreaded.

"Thanks."

"I thought you'd never invite me."

"You're here, aren't you?"

Sara looked hurt. "Why the angry feelings?"

"Just enjoy the party, okay?"

"Sure, I will," Sara said, the smile coming back to her face. She then took a seat beside the table occupied by Ken's family.

"Sure, you'll enjoy the party," Ken thought. "At my expense."

The party host came to start the party. Ken was relieved that he was just one of the store's manager, and not someone posing as Ronald.

"Let's start with a game," the host said. "Let's play 'Bring Me'. For the first object, bring me the longest belt."

Dads began unbuckling and removing their belts and giving to their children. Everybody already knew that Jason would win because his dad had the biggest tummy.

"Bring me the person with the most white hair."

Every child rushed to Grandma Grace. Grandpa David was standing, offering his hand.

"Take me. Take me," he said to the children.

"But Grandpa," one child said. "You're bald."

Young Joey won that round.

"Next," the host said. "Bring me the most beautiful mom in the room."

All the children grabbed their moms, including Ken. He knew, being the celebrant, he would win this one.

As he was about to bring her in the center, Ken saw Sara, her smile gone. He looked at his mom.

"Could Sara take you instead?"

Before his mom could reply, he pulled her away from the host and towards Sara.

"Here," Ken said, offering his mom.

Sara did not understand.

"Come, Sara," Ken's mom said.

Sara held the arm of Ken's mom, and the two were pushed by Ken.

When Sara got her prize, everybody clapped loud and long, with Ken clapping the loudest.

"Way to go," Ken shouted.

After a few more games the food was served. The atmosphere seemed livelier to Ken now, and everybody looked very happy. He, too, was enjoying the party when the host came out, holding the mic.

"Children, guess who came here? It's Grimace!"

That big purple and hairy character came bouncing towards the center. Little children came running to touch and hug him. One tried to climb over him.

Ken sat still, looking at his plate. There was no more time to go to the bathroom.

"Ken," the host said. "Where are you, Ken? Come, Grimace wants to dance with you."

Ken did not dare move. He did not want to move. He felt like crying.

A hand held him. It was Sara's.

"Don't be afraid. I'll go with you."

The host called louder. He saw his Dad signaling him to go. He slowly stood up, with Sara still holding his hand. She was not pulling him to the center, but just held his hand.

Ken dilly-dallied to get to the center. Once there, he scampered to the other side of the host to avoid being beside Grimace. His knees started to buckle as he saw from the corner of his eyes the purple color moving towards him. Then Sara blocked his view.

"He'll go to you when he's ready," Ken heard Sara say.

An awkward silence followed which was broken by the host.

"Do you want to see Grimace dance?" he said, which was answered with a loud round of applause.

A music was played, and Grimace started to bounce around. Sara lead Ken to the side.

"I want to go to the bathroom," Ken said.

Sara's grip tightened. "Let's touch Grimace at the same time."

Ken was horrified. Is she teasing him? But he saw that Sara wasn't smiling.

"We'll go to him, then, if you want to, we'll go back here. I'll hold you, don't worry."

When the music stopped, all the children went back to their places to allow Ken to get near to Grimace. Ken heaved a deep sigh, looked at Sara, then ambled towards the mascot. Sara never let go of Ken's hand.

When they got near, Sara touched the purple hair. Then, she raised Ken's hand towards the costume. Ken's heart raced as he saw his hand get nearer and nearer the mascot.

Finally, he was able to touch the fluffy skin of Grimace with the back of his hand. Nothing happened to him, and Ken felt more daring. He let go of Sara's hand and touched Grimace with is palm. He raised his other hand, at first just touching the mascot, then hugging him. The softness helped Ken to feel peaceful.

He heard a sniff, then that familiar voice.

"I think I need to go to the bathroom."