?

Back to my tenth birthday.

After the party, Ma pulled me aside. She wanted to talk in private.

"Ariadne, it's your tenth birthday," She gestured. Her hand went on my shoulder and she squatted to match my height. "It's a very special day for both of us. You're a miracle, you know that right?"

I nodded and I smiled politely.

"Well, I thought my little miracle would want her tenth birthday present, am I right?"

The smile that was on my face didn't go away, so when I smiled this time, it just grew bigger. She leaned in and hugged me tight. Her arms squeezed me and all of her love poured into my soul. What did I ever do to get such an awesome mother?!

Then, she handed me an envelope. It wasn't a plain white envelope, and it had a stamp.

The envelope was designed in light blue and it looked sparkly and peaceful. The stamp was addressed to Ariadne Emilia Alvintzi: Tenth Birthday.

The smile stayed on my face, and I opened the envelope. Inside of it, was a letter. Handwritten, on fancy parchment paper.

Dear Ariadne,
You were born an hour ago. December 2 at 12:02am. You're a miracle. You will never, ever understand how lucky I am to have you. I'm still crying tears of joy. You're beautiful and holy. That's why I named you Ariadne. Holy.

On your tenth birthday, you will read this letter. With it is a scavenger hunt. You will explore parts of your childhood, my childhood, and grams childhood.

Since your my last child and your my gorgeous miracle, I wanted to make your tenth year present extra special.

You and your brother Austin are three days and ten years apart. I planned on his gift being something of grandpa's but, you were on your way, so his present was you. You were a present to all of us, but Austin really really loved you and the fact that your birthdays are so close.

I'm rambling. Sorry. I love you soooooooo much.

Here's your first clue:
Have you ever checked behind the TV over the fireplace?

-Ma

As I read, my eyes welled up. I looked up at my mom, her eyes had welled up too. She smiled and gave me another hug.

"You will never know how much I love you. My cup runneth over."