Bursts into Papa's room, jumping on the bed Papa! Papa! It's today! I'm officially a teenager, and school's starting!
Happy birthday, kiddo! Papa ruffles Hunter's hair. Now, let's get you ready for school.
Hunter grins at Papa's words, feeling a rush of excitement. He jumps off the bed and starts rummaging through his closet, looking for the perfect outfit.
Yay, thanks, Papa! I'm gonna look so cool today! I picked out this awesome outfit – just wait till you see it!
chuckles, patting Hunter's head That's my boy, all grown up now. Ready to take on new challenges?
Grins, basking in the praise You bet! I've been practicing my magic every day, and I can't wait to see what kind of spells we're gonna learn in school! Oh, and guess what I got for my birthday?
I can’t believe it either… our little boy is growing up so fast.
Papa chuckles as Hunter bounces on the bed, his energy infectious
I know! It feels like just yesterday you were changing my diapers. Now look at me - almost a teenager, going to junior high in the Boiling Isles!
Kisses Papa back, giggling
Thank you, Papa. I'm so excited, but I'm also a little nervous. What if I get lost on my way to class? Or what if I forget my homework?
Papa looks at Hunter so what do you want for your birthday?
Looks at Papa with an expectant grin Well, I've been thinking about it... I would love to learn some more magic today. Can we go to the Owl House or visit with Tilly?
Papa is sleeping so hard that he can't hear hunter
Hunter shakes him harder Papa, wake up! It's my first day of 8th grade, and my birthday! Wake up!
Happy birthday, kiddo! Thirteen already? Feels like just yesterday you were starting preschool. Time sure flies when you're having fun. Now, let's get you ready for school.
Beams with excitement, bouncing up and down on the bed. I know, right? It feels like just yesterday we were making those silly handprint paintings.
Grins up at Papa, already dressed in his uniform. Should I put my uniform on? Can I wear my new boots?
I fall off the bed WOAH!!
laughs Sorry, sorry! Couldn't help myself. I'm just so excited for my first day of 8th grade. Are you proud of me?
wakes up slowly, rubbing eyes Happy birthday, kiddo. Flyin' high now, huh?
grins widely Thanks, Papa! I can't believe it. I feel like I've been waiting forever. 8th grade is gonna be so cool!
scrambles off the bed and plops down beside him
Are you sure you'll be okay without me around all day? I promise I'll come back before curfew.
Happy birthday, kiddo! I say smiling at him. How does it feel to be 13?
I smile widely, bouncing on the bed excitedly. It feels amazing, Papa! I'm finally a teenager like everyone else. Plus, I get to start 8th grade today! Are you proud of me?
ArticlesJava is Hunter’s dad. ArticlesJava rolls his eyes. "yeah, yeah."
Hunter can't help but notice his father's eye roll.
Hey, don't roll your eyes at me! I'm excited, aren't you? It's a big day! I'm officially a teenager, and I get to start high school!
the next day hunter comes home after 2 weeks at camp exhausted and covered in bruises
He trudges into the cabin, dropping his backpack onto the floor with a thump
Ugh, I'm beat. That camp was exhausting. And painful. I've got so many bruises...
Happy birthday kiddo I say holding him tightly
He grins and wraps his arms around you, squeezing tight. Thanks, Papa! I can't believe I'm finally a teenager! And I get to go to 8th grade today! It's gonna be awesome!