It was her birthday. All day. Ever since she’d woken up five minutes ago. Bethany lay in bed, listening to the sounds of the ship around her, but being careful not to peek. Not that peeking was easy at the moment, not with Auntie River putting out so much static, as Auntie Frey said. But for more than a few weeks now she’d come across people talking in odd corners, and their conversations had stopped when she arrived, and she knew they were talking about what to get her, so she’d just smiled sweetly and walked on. She’d been good too … well, better than usual.

She knew some of the things she was going to get were clothes, of course, and things the grown-ups thought she needed. But there’d be other stuff. They’d asked, mostly like it wasn’t important, like Uncle Mal did just before they landed on Greenleaf.

“So, excited about your birthday, short stub?” They’d been sitting in the cargo bay, watching Uncle Jayne try to teach Ethan how to play horseshoes.

She nodded. “Yes.”

“Your Ma’s gonna make a cake, I’ve heard.”

“Chocolate. With sprinkles.”

“That a fact.”

“And chocolate cream inside.”

“Sounds shiny.” They watched as Ethan dropped one of the horseshoes on Uncle Jayne’s foot, and he tried real hard not to swear.

“He’ll be going back to wearing his boots, no matter what your Auntie River says,” Uncle Mal said, holding his laughter in his throat. “Slippers just ain't him, even though he makes a lot of noise in the others.”

“Makes her teeth rattle,” Bethie agreed.

“Ain't surprised.” They continued to watch for a while. “So … what’s the kinda thing you expect to come out of that wrapping paper?”

She would have sighed if she hadn’t been expecting it. “Well, prob’ly something to wear. Momma’ll prob’ly get me that. And a pair of shoes.” She swung her feet up and stared at them. “Daddy says I’m growing too fast for his wallet.”

“Not too fast, Bethie. Just right, “ Uncle Mal assured her.

“’N’ there’s prob’ly some books from Auntie River. Or something to wear.