Kevin is turning eighteen years old this Saturday. His aunt Linda and his cousin Sarah are driving from the countryside to join the celebration. It is the fifth time they have visited Kevin's home, and they always bring along his favourite toy from when he was little—a soft white sheep that he has kept since he was three years old.
On Friday evening, Kevin helps his mother move some furniture. They clear space in the living room, which has a tall ceiling, to set up tables and chairs for the guests. Kevin's father hangs pink flags along the walls and strings electric lights above the dining area. When all the decorations are in place, the room looks so bright and beautiful that Kevin says it feels like heaven.
On Saturday morning, Kevin's father starts the BBQ grill in the garden. Smoke from the charcoal drifts up into the clear sky. Kevin's cousin Sarah swings back and forth on the old swing beside the apple tree while they wait for the food to cook. Kevin's aunt Linda begins to dig near the flower beds, looking for fresh herbs to add to the salad. She hums her favourite pop song happily as she works.
Just before lunch, Kevin checks the mail. Among the letters is a birthday card from his English teacher. A neighbour who works as a policeman also comes to the door to wish Kevin well. He laughs and says, "Eighteen is a wonderful age—but don't do anything stupid and make your parents mad!"
That afternoon, Kevin's mother brings out a large birthday cake with eighteen candles. She asks Kevin to step on the scale to weigh himself and jokes that growing up means taking better care of your health. Kevin carefully lights all eighteen candles, and they glow like a tiny moon on top of the cake. When he blows them out, a small cloud of smoke drifts up toward the ceiling. Everyone cheers and sings "Happy Birthday" together.
By evening, the party is over and the garden is quiet. Kevin sits on the swing alone and looks up at the real moon rising in the dark sky. His aunt Linda walks over and sits beside him. "When you were small," she says softly, "you told me you wanted to be a policeman when you grew up. Do you still feel that way?" Kevin smiles and shakes his head. Whether or not that dream comes true, he knows that this birthday—surrounded by family and love—is one he will treasure forever.