Mario wasn’t having a terrible time at his surprise birthday party---just a dull one. He sat at the head of the table surrounded by his friends, their polite smiles frozen like frosting on the cake before him. The decorations were standard: streamers, balloons, the usual muted colors and generic music. He let out a sigh as everyone leaned in, waiting for him to blow out the candles.

“I wish I could have as much fun at my party as a seven-year-old little girl would,” he muttered under his breath, not thinking anything of it. Then he blew out the candles.

The lights flickered. There was a strange shimmer in the air, like heat on asphalt. And just like that, everything changed.

Gone were the button-ups and jeans, replaced by ribbons, bright skirts, sparkly tights, and colorful party dresses with bows. Hair was styled in pigtails and braids, some with glittery clips, others with pastel barrettes. Mario blinked, looking down at his frilly lavender dress with white lace trim and matching shoes. He gave a twirl without thinking, giggling at how it flared out. Everyone clapped. Not one guest thought anything was strange about it.

The decorations had changed too. Bright rainbows, pastel pinks, yellows, and purples adorned every wall. The music now played cheerful, high-pitched melodies that practically begged you to skip along. Balloons shaped like hearts and ponies floated gently above the party.

And the party games! Duck-duck-sparkle, musical tiaras, pin-the-tail-on-the-kitten, and a glitter scavenger hunt across the backyard. Everyone threw themselves into the fun with sincere delight, no hint of sarcasm or self-awareness. Every doll, stuffed unicorn, or glitter-laced purse received as a gift was met with squeals of excitement. Mario hugged his new rainbow plushie tightly, spinning in place before carefully setting it with the rest of his treasures.

But between games, when they sipped juice boxes and munched animal cookies under the shade of a big umbrella, the conversations changed.

“So how’s the Jenkins account coming?” asked Jasmine casually, readjusting the bow in her hair.

Mario chuckled. “It’s murder. Client wants a three-phase rollout but won’t approve the budget. I swear, next time I’m billing by the hour.”

“Did you hear Goldman finally quit?”

“About time. He’s been unhappy since Q4.”

They nodded, pausing only when the next game was called.

Ice cream and cake were devoured with enthusiasm, leaving frosting smudges and sprinkles on cheeks. Napkins were passed around dutifully, and everyone remembered to wipe their hands before crafts. No one complained. No one dared to spoil the magic like a yucky boy might. After all, good behavior was very important at parties like this.

“Musical tiaras!” the bunny-eared party host announced.

“Yayyy!!” shrieked everyone, bolting up.

Mario elbowed his way into the circle, holding hands with Jasmine and Alex, bouncing to the music. When the music stopped, he dove for a sparkly pink tiara pillow.

“Got one!!”

The others pouted dramatically, then giggled and clapped.