"Oh my God, that's terrifying."
Maggie shrugged, "I even got that last year."
Jack chuckled and walked aside to call his mom. The phone rang for a while before anyone answered.
'Surprise.
Mom wouldn't not answer the phone, nor forget my birthday, it must be a surprise.' Jack looked confident as he waved for Maggie to head to his place.
By then, it was getting dark, and the neighbor's lights were already on.
They walked and chatted, quickly reaching Jack's house.
At the gate, they stopped; Jack's house was dark.
Maggie pointed at the house, "Is this your place?"
"Yes." Jack swallowed hard, feeling a bad premonition.
"Are you sure you didn't get the birthday wrong?"
"Uh… I shouldn't have." Jack was also now uncertain.
Maggie comforted, "Maybe they want to surprise you."
"You're right, it must be that." Jack hastened back to the front door, his hands trembling as he reached for his keys.
Upon opening the door, the living room was somewhat dark.