Crestwood Investigation

Chapter 8: Birthday Boy

The previous night of rain had given way to the soft caress of dawn. The first light of Saturday morning painted the sky with hues of pink and gold casting a warm glow across Crestwood for a warm sunny day, the anticipation of Pete's birthday hung in the air and the world seemed to wake up with a smile on this joyous day.

In the Jacobs' household the living room adorned with fish-themed decorations awaited the joyful chaos that would soon unfold, everything seemed alive as the streamers swayed in the wind and the balloons bounced as if the room itself was eager to celebrate.

In Pete's room the little boy stirred beneath his cozy blankets the excitement of his birthday had worked its magic and he opened his eyes to the sunlit room shining over his fish covered blanket, His gaze shifted to his alarm clock and saw it was morning time.

With a burst of enthusiasm Pete sprang out of bed his small feet padding against the blue carpeted floor.

In a corner a small chair held his favorite fish-themed shirt carefully chosen for this special day with glee Pete picked it up and wriggled into it all on his own! the vibrant colors and playful fish design reflecting his excitement.

Unable to contain his joy any longer Pete decided it was time to share the excitement with his parents with his fish shirt on and a skip in his step he headed towards his parents room, the hallway seemed longer than usual each step filled with anticipation for this day.

As he approached their door he could hear muffled sounds of stirring from within Pete took a deep breath his little hand reaching for the doorknob he swung the door open with all the might a four-year-old could muster revealing Joshua and Isabelle still in the realm of dreams and Joshua snoring a loud.

"Dad! Mom! Wake up! It's my birthday!" Pete exclaimed his youthful screams filling the room. He jumped onto the bed bouncing up and down with his seemingly infinite energy.

Joshua stirred rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Hey there birthday boy is it time already?"

Pete nodded vigorously his excitement palpable.
"Yep! Presents and Breakfast!"

Isabelle joined them a smile lighting up her face
"Good morning my boy, we won't be ready to start the festivities until all your friends and party guests arrive but how about some pancakes?"

Pete beamed caught up in the magic of the moment
"Let's go, let's go! It's gonna be the best day ever! I'm so big now!"

The family gathered in the kitchen the morning sunlight streaming through the windows as they kicked off Pete's birthday with a breakfast filled with laughter, joy and the simple pleasure of being together as they enjoyed their pancakes on this relaxing day, the living room adorned with fish-themed wonders and the smell of pancakes.

As they enjoyed their pancakes on this relaxing morning Pete couldn't contain the excitement bubbling within him

After finishing his pancake Pete's eyes sparkled with excitement
"Daddy can I show you something?" he asked his small hand tugging at Joshua's shirt.

Joshua chuckled wiping a bit of syrup from Pete's cheek
"Of course buddy What do you want to show me?"

With a beaming smile Pete dashed to his room and returned with a crumpled sheet of white paper
"Look Daddy I drew something special for you and Uncle Michael!"

Unfolding the paper Joshua was greeted by the adorable sight of two colorful fish in police uniforms their goofy expressions capturing the essence of Pete's imagination. He couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Is this us buddy? Fish cops?"

Pete nodded enthusiastically his eyes shining with pride.
"Yep, you and Uncle Michael! Keeping Crestwood safe like superheroes!"

Joshua was thoroughly entertained by the goofy drawing. He ruffled Pete's hair affectionately.
"This is fantastic pal! You're a true artist, let's hang it up somewhere special, how about we put it onto the fridge so everyone can see our fish cop adventures?"

Pete's face lit up and together they made their way to the fridge finding the perfect spot for the masterpiece, The drawing joined a collage of memories, a testament to the joyous moments the Jacobs family shared.

Just as they were reveling in this special family moment a loud knock echoed through the house they exchanged puzzled glances wondering who could be visiting so early in the morning, Joshua headed to the door and swung it open to reveal a surprise visitor.

"Oh hey Dad you're early" Joshua greeted.

His dad laughed
"No such thing where's my birthday boy? I've got a present for him to open right now!"

Isabelle chimed in behind Joshua at the door
"We're saving presents for after dinner when everyone's here Charles."

Charles Joshua's dad replied
"Nonsense! Let the boy enjoy a gift early!" He then shouted
"Pete Gramps has a big present for you come here and open it!"

Pete ran to the door excitedly exclaiming "Grandpa!"

Isabelle shot Joshua an annoyed look but he reassured her
"He's difficult you know this, just let Pete open the one early it won't hurt anything and will be less drama."

As Pete eagerly opened the big gift box from his grandpa he discovered a giant stuffed toy fish pillow and a $20 gift card to his favorite toy store Pete's eyes widened with delight and he exclaimed
"Thanks, Grandpa! I love it!" before giving him a big hug.

Charles grinned
"No problem buddy you have such a bright future ahead of you you're gonna be a great marine biologist! unlike your father who wasted my money on baseball telling me it was what he wanted but now he just gives parking tickets."

Joshua tried to ignore that comment focusing on Pete's special day and the joyous moments they were creating together, not letting his father ruin it, the rest of the morning was filled with laughter, surprises, and the warmth of family bonds as they eagerly awaited the full celebration with friends and loved ones later in the day.