Blowing the Candles

It was my 14th birthday, but for some reason, the atmosphere felt uneasy and uncomfortable. I didn’t pay much attention to it since it was my birthday after all. So, I blew out the candles to try and feel more at ease. However, as soon as I blew out the candles, everything changed. The lights went out, and my clapping, smiling parents vanished. I was terrified and almost cried. I screamed as loud as I could, hoping someone would hear me. I heard footsteps approaching, and then a kid my age called my name followed by a playful “Boo!” It wasn’t very scary, but in that moment, I was petrified. It turned out to be my cousin John playing a prank on me. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life, and even three years later, we still laugh about it when we remember that day.