Tinu had been mentioning her birthday party for weeks. She was 25 years and she wanted to have a special birthday. She discovered a rental space in her neighborhood and invited all of her friends and relatives. She made sure everything was perfect—there were balloons, fairy lights, a DJ, and enough food to feed everyone.
The day finally arrived. The sun was shining, and the sky was clear. Tinu wore a lovely red gown that fit her perfectly. Her makeup was fresh and well groomed, as was her smile which radiated through out the entire house. Guests arrived at 4 p.m., all in colorful clothes. A few presented gifts in shiny papers, and some others with their warm smiles alone.
Once the dj played some quiet music, the people walked about, chatter, laughed, and gossiped. The smells of fried rice, jollof rice and barbecue chicken hung in the air. Two children ran about yelling and laughing with mirth. Tinu's little brother, Deji, was engrossed in service business helping the caterer bring food to the guests while her elder sister Fola, was on front lines to welcome them heartily.
Music size changed at the same time the DJ increased the volume and changed the tempo. Tinu’s friends pulled her to the dance floor. At first she was shy, but after a few minutes she was at ease and she danced so enthusiastically they all clapped. In addition, all senior participants spontaneously beat the rhythm to the music, despite the fact that they crack a smile when looking at the younger participants enjoying them.
At the halfway mark, Tinu's best friend's best friend, Ada, got up to stand by the mic. Tinu, you are one of the kindest, hardest worker I know," Ada smiled. We today celebrate not only the fact that it is jubilee day, but your merriful character. Everyone, please raise your glass! With the glasses full of juice in hand, the crowd raised theirs in the air and cheered.
Tinu was overwhelmed. Tears filled her eyes as she hugged Ada tightly. “Thank you,” she whispered. “This means so much to me.”
Later, it was time to cut the cake. The cake was a sophisticated looking (three-tiered), white and gold decorated dessert cake. Everyone gathered around as Tinu held the knife. “Make a wish!” someone shouted. Tinu squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, smiled, and cut into the cake. Clapping and singing of thebirthday song marked the distribution of thecake to the crowd.
Right in the middle of the road to despair, Deji, much to Tinu's shock, started playing a short film on the projector. It was a presentation of photos and videos from the early years up to the present day. The room erupted with laughter and awws as people saw little Tinu learning to walk, her first day in school, and even a funny clip of her dancing awkwardly as a teenager.
When the party came to an end, the guests went away, expressed their thanks to Tinu for having invited them. Tinu stood at the door, hugging everyone goodbye. She would venture down from the floor only if the hall was devoid of people, and stood there, deeply grateful. Her heart was joyful and her cheeks burned from laughing too much. It was truly a party to remember.
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