[ WP ] Everyone dies on their birthday , but no one knows at which age it will occur .

People had stopped celebrating birthdays the day-of years ago, as soon as it had started to happen. At first it had seemed odd to have birthday parties for kids the day before - reminiscent of the 21st birthday of so many American college students - but as it dragged on it, of course, began to make sense. Granted, it involved less shots but... well, you get the picture. 
 
 Jonas was turning 12 tomorrow. And, like every parent on the night before, I was a wreak. Anne and I were sitting in our living room, a glass of red wine in her hand and a glass of scotch in mine. 
 
 `` The party was nice.'' She said, breaking the silence for the first time in what seemed like eons. 
 
 `` Yeah,'' I replied, taking a pull of my drink and refilling it immediately. `` I think Jonas had a good time.'' 
 
 `` Are you okay?'' 
 
 `` Yeah. Sure. I'm okay.'' 
 
 `` You do n't sound okay.'' 
 
 `` Anne. Seriously, I'm fine. This whole thing is just hard is all.'' I said, putting a reassuring hand on her knee. She smiled a half-hearted, indulging smile. `` Seriously, Anne. I'm okay. Jonas is a blessing - every single day he has been in out life has been the best day of my life. I'm lucky for every second I've had with him. He's smart, and kind, and a goof in all the best ways.'' 
 
 `` And he's as tough as you are.'' She agreed. `` You remember when he came home after that Trevor kid was picking on Nicholas? Two black eyes, and all he said was'He's my friend. No one gets to give my friend a hard time.''' 
 
 I wanted to laugh, but could only muster a smile. She was right... the kid had grit. `` Like I said, in all the right ways.'' 
 
 Anne glanced at the clock, as it struck 11:59. She tried to cover her worried look by taking a big gulp of wine. `` You're sure you're okay?'' 
 
 `` I'm fine, Anne.'' I said, draining the last of my glass. `` I'm lucky. I have a wonderful son and a beautiful wife. I could n't ask for more.'' 
 
 `` I love you so much.'' She said, glancing up at the clock. It ticked to midnight. `` Happy birthday Mike.'' 
 
 `` Thanks babe. I love you.'' I said, as the empty glass slipped from my hand.
