The storm had cleared the air and a bright sunshine reached through the window and tickled him under the chin. But, best of all, it was his birthday! Frankie bounced out of bed as if he were made of springs and ran downstairs, to where Alphonsine and Eddie were waiting for him with big wrinkly smiles. ‘HAAAAPEEEE BURRSSDAY FRANKIEEEEE!’ sang Alphonsine. The breakfast table was laid and in the centre was a fresh pile of pancakes topped with ten birthday candles. Frankie glanced along the table but there was no sign of a present. He felt a sharp stab of disappointment, then blushed with shame. Alfie and Eddie couldn’t afford to buy presents and he wasn’t about to make them feel bad about it. So, as Alphonsine pushed the plate of pancakes towards him, he smiled his brightest smile. ‘Now make a wish!’ she urged. Colette, the poodle, yipped and nudged Frankie’s hand. Frankie wasn’t sure what to wish for. So he closed his eyes and, as he blew out the candles, he just wished that he would not have to spend another lunchbreak sitting on his own, staring at his trainers.
