Liam and Hannah by candlelight

Liam's birthday parties have a usual shape, there's some tension as the final cooking and arrangements are done. He did a lot of the cooking himself with help from Z. Even at 77 he wouldn't have it any other way. Then when things have settled a little, children from the neighbouring house/apartments arrive with their parents. I had some trepidations as Liam plied a few early guests (just the adults!) with whiskey at about three in the afternoon. The children all sang Happy birthday to you for him and later three of them did a little circus act with tumbles and balancing.
The main food was about six and the parents, children and other guests settled in for the night. Much laughter and children's playing and running about. Everyone who could be there was and they gradually faded away with the light, leaving Liam, Hannah, Z and I, still bravely sipping whiskey, until we succumbed a little after midnight.