June 4th 2023: Happy Birthday

 

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    The wood thumps lightly with every step. The setting sun provides little warmth against the cool air blown inland by the sea breeze. In the distance, lights flicker on as the sound of cars peters off. The sea roars as ocean waves roll unto the beach nearby.

    "Happy birthday to me."

    I sink down slowly between the rails of the walkway. I pull my hands from my pockets. In one, a lighter. In the other a sparkler. It takes a couple of tries for the lighter to light. It only takes one to set off the sparkler.

    

    "Happy birthday to me."

    There is an instant hiss as sparks shoot out in all directions. Its yellow light seems to flair brightly as the last rays of the sun disappear beneath the horizon and the night sets in. It crackles as the light descends toward my hand.

    "Happy birthday, dear Tony."

    

    It takes less than a minute for the sparkler to burn out, the flair fizzling out as it reaches the handle. It glows a faint red as the top part leans over, the light burned out. The smell of smoke hits my nose as a fresh wind comes up the coast. The cold cuts through my clothes.

    "Happy birthday to me."