simple, printed messages like “Happy Birthday!” or “Have a Great Day!” Occasionally, a small bill would be tucked inside the fold. Five dollars, ten dollars, and once, a staggering twenty dollars that caused Adrian to dance with delight. It was never enough to suggest a wealthy benefactor, but it was always enough to feel like a deliberate gift.
As Adrian grew older, his fascination with the mystery deepened. The allure of the unknown began to eclipse the excitement of his actual party. He stopped asking about the guest list or
