On my 32nd birthday, I was meant to have lots of love, laughs, and fun.
My husband, Dexter, gave me a sweet gift to start the day. He woke me up by kissing me on the face and saying, “Happy birthday, gorgeous.” Our son Dave walked in the room, full of energy about the party. It was a happy house because family and friends were talking and laughing, and the kitchen smells were making everyone feel even better.
My phone vibrated in my pocket while I talked to other guests. I told them I had to leave to answer the call from a number I didn’t know. The other end of the queue told me that a package had been sent to me and that I needed to pick it up myself. When I went outside to look, I saw a delivery person carrying a big, heavy box.
As I opened the box, I went from being interested to being shocked. Inside, I found the jewellery that had been stolen along with a scary note that said, “FROM YOUR HUSBAND’S LOVER!” The words hit me like a tonne of bricks, and I tried to figure out what they meant. Could Dexter have really given my jewellery to someone else?
I took the note, left the house, and didn’t say a word to anyone. As I followed the address written on the paper, tears made it hard for me to see. The location took me to an old house on the edge of town. The worn-down look of the outside made my heart race with fear.
The room was dark and quiet when I walked in. But then, all of a sudden, the lights came on and a chorus of people yelled, “WE PLAYED YOU!” “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” I stood still as the scene played out. He was in the middle of the room and was grinning from ear to ear. His family and friends were all around him, laughing and cheering.
It took me a moment to figure out what was going on. Dexter came up to me and gave me a tight hug. “No mistress, Lara,” he quipped with a laugh. “It was all just a prank.” It made me feel better, and the situation’s ridiculousness made me laugh instead of crying out of anger and confusion.
Even though I didn’t like being “played,” I couldn’t deny that Dexter had given it some thought and work. The day’s ups and downs ended with love, laughs, and a story I would tell for years to come. As the night went on, I realised that this birthday would truly be remembered, as I spent it with the people I loved the most.
Life often takes us by surprise in ways we don’t expect. This was one of those times. What I learnt is that love and laughter can win even when things are scary and unsure. We loved each other so much that I knew no matter how complex the trick was, it wouldn’t hurt us.
