28

You reach the yellow front door around the same time as a few other partygoers, and you give them a quick greeting before going straight inside. The sight that meets you as you step into the house is simultaneously strange and surprisingly familiar—you're not sure you've ever seen so many colors in one place, from the pale blue-and-orange wallpaper to the brightly painted picture frames housing vibrant paintings, to the flowers on every surface and, once you arrive in the living room, the party guests themselves.

You wonder if you missed the memo to dress as brightly as possible—but, then again, it's been a long time since you've been to a party. For all you know, this crowd is pretty restrained.

When you catch sight of the swirling mass of color, your instinct is:

Just as you're wondering whether to go ahead with your plan, you catch sight of Maxie waving at you excitedly from out of the color explosion. You notice as they push their way towards you that they, at least, are still dressed all in black.

"Hey there, neighbor!" they call, stopping briefly to greet the other new arrivals. "Glad you could make it!" they say as they turn back to you. "I guess Zoe must have told you she was throwing us a surprise anniversary party? I didn't know anything about it, of course." They give you a wink. "That woman cannot keep a secret," they say with a chuckle. "Anyway, why don't you start making yourself at home?"

They lead you into the living room. Once you're inside, you give them a slightly awkward smile and hold up your gifts.

Maxie beams.

"Now, that is so sweet!" they exclaim, taking the treats from you. "The dogs'll love you for this. And Zoe will love the flowers."

"I know it's not much, and you probably have a bunch already—"

"Oh, don't be silly, Huknock!" Maxie puts a hand on your shoulder, fixing you with a parental smile. "If I know anything about dogs, it's that there's no such thing as too many treats. Not all kids your age are so thoughtful, you know—though I guess you're not a kid anymore, are you? Well, let's just say you're more thoughtful than plenty of folks I know. Now, where's Zoe got to?"

Without missing a beat, they wave their hand and, just like that, seem to summon Zoe to their side out of thin air.

"Look, Zo," they say as Zoe gives you a neighborly smile, "Huknock's brought us some flowers."

"Oh—that's kind of you, Huknock," she tells you, seeming a little surprised but pleased nonetheless. She takes the flowers from you and gives them a curious sniff. "So fresh! Thank you, Huknock."