It was at least as cold as the freezer in which Norin and Benja had first met as Norin stood in front of Benja’s house. Norin’s fingers felt like they were frozen to the wrapping paper of Benja’s birthday present. The door was flung open. Benja stood there with her usual warm grin. What was unusual was her hair. Or rather the lack of it. Norin stared.
“What… Um. Ha-appy b-birthday!” He tried to control the chattering of his teeth and somehow pry his fingers away from the present, so he could give it to Benja. But she just pulled him inside.
“Mum! Dad! Norin’s here! He managed to arrive before freezing to a block!” she yelled. And to Norin: “Come on. Let’s go to my room.”
“What have you done to your hair?” Norin asked, as he followed her bald head up the stairs. “I bet your mum isn’t happy about it.”
Benja shrugged. “Yeah, she’s not happy, but it’s not like she can do anything about it now, is it? It’s gone and that’s that.”
Just as Benja was unpacking the new card game that Norin had given her – Seven Dead Black Kittens and other misfortunes -, Mrs Wilson came in.
“I wish you would put on a hat,” she sighed. “That poor head of yours.” Then she saw the game. “What in heaven’s name is that?” she shrieked.
“Mum, it’s just a gift. A card game, not real dead kittens.”
Mrs Wilson sighed again. “I brought you some cake.” She put the plate down between them and left the room hurriedly.
Norin and Benja had a fun afternoon playing cards and stuffing themselves with cake.
Just as they were demolishing the last piece of cake, Benja turned pale. She jumped up and raced to the bathroom.
Norin could hear her throwing up noisily. He followed her to the bathroom, unsure how he could help. But before he could ask, Mr Wilson came up the stairs.
“You better go home now, Norin,” he said kindly.
“I’m alright!” Benja shouted after him. “It’s just the birthday cake phenomenon.”
© Jonathan Linnenberg 2023-06-05