"I don't like it when Daddy gets loud," I whisper, holding my car even tighter. Mommy kneels in front of me, and I can smell her flowery perfume that she always wears.

"Honey, listen to me, okay? Sometimes grown-ups have arguments, but they figure things out eventually. Today's your special day, so let's try to think about happy things, all right? Can you do that for me?"

I nod because I want to make Mommy happy, but my chest feels funny and empty.

The doorbell keeps ringing, and lots of kids from my class come in. Justin comes with his big smile, already talking about games we can play. Then Ollie shows up with a huge present, but Nora is the one that makes me feel a little better. She runs right to me and gives me the biggest hug ever.

"Happy Birthday, Natey!" She shows me a picture she drew. "I made this for you."

It's all of us being superheroes.I’m flying with big wings because I told her once that I wish I could fly like birds do. Ollie has super big muscles, Jake can run super fast with lightning around his feet, and Nora can touch stuff and make it pretty with flowers and colors. My face gets all warm looking at it. It's my favorite present ever!

"I love it," I say, my voice getting stuck in my throat a little. "I'm going to stick it on my wall in my room."

Her smile makes everything feel brighter, like when the sun comes out after it rains.

"Hey, Nate! Let's play Seven Minutes in Heaven because you're seven!" Justin says, super excited. We don't know what that means, but big kids play it, so we want to try.

Me and Nora end up in the dark closet together. I can smell the laundry soap Mommy uses and feel Nora sitting close to me. I can’t see her because it’s dark but my tummy feels all fluttery, like there are butterflies inside.

"Nate?" Nora whispers. "Why do you look sad?"

"I'm not sad," I lie, but my voice sounds wobbly.

"Liar, liar, pants on fire," she says, but not in a mean way. She says it nice, like when Mommy tells me everything will be okay.

“When Mommy or Daddy is sad, they give each other a kiss to feel better." Then Nora leans in and gives me a quick kiss on my lips. "Did it make it better?"

My heart does a funny jump, and I feel dizzy like when I spin around too much. "Yeah, I think so."

The door opens super fast, and the light hurts my eyes. "Time's up, lovebirds!" Justin yells and runs away laughing. Nora stands up and holds out her hand.

"Come on, Nate, I got you." Her hand feels warm and safe in mine.