It was coming up to Oliver’s 9th birthday, a birthday that he shared with his Grandpa. Perhaps that was why Oliver tended to be Grandpa’s favourite. His Mum and Dad were planning a surprise party for Oliver but the biggest surprise was that Oliver’s Grandpa was travelling all the way down from Scotland to the celebration. They had always known how much Oliver loved his Grandpa.
A few days before the party they called up Grandpa and asked him if he could come. He said he was feeling a bit under the weather but that he wouldn’t miss Oliver’s party for the world. Mum needed to get Oliver out of the house to prepare for the party so on the day before the celebration, Oliver’s Dad suggested a camping trip. Early that evening, they set off to Tree wood Forest armed with sleeping bags, tents and other camping equipment. By the time it got dark, back at home, Oliver’s Mum and his brothers had finished decorating the house ready for the party.
The day of the birthday came and at 59, Whinlatter Drive all of Oliver’s guests were arriving excitedly at his house, except Grandpa. Mum thought that maybe he was late and had driven into bad traffic near London. Meanwhile Oliver arrived back home with his Dad. He got out of the car and opened the front door; “Surprise!” everyone screamed at the top of their voices. Oliver stood back in amazement. He was silent for a moment then realised what was happening.
“Is Grandpa here too?” Oliver shouted, knowing that he shared his birthday with his favourite grandparent. “Well Mum?” he asked excitedly “is he coming?”. “Sorry son, it’s just too far to come all that way from Scotland “she lied, smiling at the same time and winking at the guests. Oliver felt down hearted but still carried on with his party. He was just opening his last present when the phone rang. “I’ll get it, you carry on Oliver” said Mum laughing. Five minutes later, Mum put the phone down quietly and turned to face Oliver with tears in her eyes. She led him gently by the hand out of the room away from all the noise and knelt down taking Oliver’s hands in hers. “I’ve just got off the phone from the hospital” she says in a shaky voice, “Grandpa was on his way here but I’m sorry Oliver, he has had a heart attack and he is d-d-d-dead”. Oliver’s face turned white and cold, a tear-drop fell down his soft cheek. Mum gave him a long hug. He heard his Mum apologising to his friends saying that Oliver wouldn’t be coming out of his room that night and sending them home. Later that evening Oliver was still in his room. He cried all the way through that birthday night.
