I didn’t have an Amazon Prime account, so I asked that my sister use hers to get express shipping. The box showed up the next day, and in between Uber rides, I purchased some wrapping paper, along with a card. This way when Wednesday night rolled around, I had a present awaiting Thad when he slid into the passenger seat of my car.

“Ooh!” he said, picking it up and admiring the shiny wrapping paper. “Can I open it now?”

“Sure, if you want.” I handed him an envelope. “Here’s the card.”

Thad turned the overhead light on so he could read the card. He laughed upon seeing the cover.

The 6th in Happy 6th Birthday had been crossed out, replaced in Sharpie with 18th. It was a Barbie card, and the inside read, It’s fun to be 18! Girl, you’re sugar and spice and everything nice!

“Wow,” Thad said, giggling. “What an amazin’ card.” He picked up the gift and pulled apart the tape on the sides. After tearing apart the wrapping paper, he inspected the box under the faint light of the overhead lamp.

“Is this film?” he asked.

“Yeah. Black and white and color, for all your photography needs.”

“Oh wow, cool! I actually needed some of this!” He turned to me with a full grin. “Thanks! Way better than cigarettes.”

“We can still buy some, if you want to.”

Thad thought about it a moment, then shook his head. “Nah. Let’s go to the beach instead.”