Birthday buddies

We arrive at Luke’s house about five minutes early. Luke is Josh’s best boy buddy at school, and Josh has been anticipating his birthday party for weeks. We park a few houses away. While Josh and Luke play together every day at school, this is the first time we have been to Luke’s house. Josh is eager to get there. As soon as I open the door, he hops out and starts jogging ahead of me. I hurry along behind, losing ground as I struggle to balance the gift and my purse.

As we round the court, I see Luke on his front porch. He spots Josh and comes bounding out to meet us.

“Josh!” Luke calls as he nears the sidewalk.

“Luke!” Josh calls as he breaks into a sprint.

The boys meet at the edge of the driveway and come to a complete standstill about two feet apart.

“Hi!” Luke exclaims, smiling at Josh and giving him a brief wave.

“Hi! Josh shouts back enthusiastically.

For a split second, neither boy knows what to do next. But their excitement is clearly mutual.

Then Luke suddenly throws his arms around Josh’s neck and pulls him in for a hug. Josh beams as he grabs Luke, and their cheeks meet — their two smiling faces smashed together in picture perfect harmony.