Malcolm was lying in bed at 7 a.m. on a sunny morning. He was excited because it was his birthday. His wife was still asleep. Malcolm woke her up.
"Debbie, do you know what day it is?"
"May 15th."
"And ... "
"And you have a 9 a.m. appointment with the dentist today. You have to get up!"
Malcolm was upset. "Debbie forgot my birthday," he thought while he was brushing his teeth.
"Bye, Debbie," said Malcolm. He was trying to seem calm and relaxed. "Maybe we'll go to a restaurant for lunch."
"Why? What's special about today?" she asked.
"Oh, nothing."
Malcolm wasn't nervous at the dentist's office. The pain didn't even bother him. He was thinking about his birthday, and was feeling lonely. "Even my mother forgot to phone!" he thought.
When Malcolm came home, he slowly opened the door. "Surprise!" All his friends and relatives were smiling and laughing.
"Happy birthday, Malcolm," said Debbie. "Do you forgive me?