The real sign of spring robins bring is their song.
It was a mild day on the island, warmer than it would have ever been on the same date back home. Tim approved of that and in all the activity, he didn't have time to give more than a passing thought to all the things that he'd have liked to include in this celebration. Alfred had worked miracles with the limited supplies on the island and it was all almost like home. Beneath the protecting branches of the trees and far below the first floor of the treehouses, several tables had been set up picnic-style.
The guest list was strictly family, and Tim refused to apologize for that. Dick's had a rough month and what he needed right now was not another manic party like Mardi Gras. Only a few of the invitees weren't actually residents of this very clearing. Everyone was instructed to arrive at 6 sharp, not a minute later and it was doubtful anyone would risk Tim's inevitable cardiac arrest should someone be late. That would not be a good birthday present.
Alfred efficiently finished the set up while Tim fretted over last minute details. The butler would never have let anyone speak against one of his charges but in the privacy of his own head, he did allow himself a single expressive roll of the eyes.
Everything was in place by the time the first guest arrived. Tim was pacing near the juice and wondering if he shouldn't have tried to get some wine instead.
The guest list was strictly family, and Tim refused to apologize for that. Dick's had a rough month and what he needed right now was not another manic party like Mardi Gras. Only a few of the invitees weren't actually residents of this very clearing. Everyone was instructed to arrive at 6 sharp, not a minute later and it was doubtful anyone would risk Tim's inevitable cardiac arrest should someone be late. That would not be a good birthday present.
Alfred efficiently finished the set up while Tim fretted over last minute details. The butler would never have let anyone speak against one of his charges but in the privacy of his own head, he did allow himself a single expressive roll of the eyes.
Everything was in place by the time the first guest arrived. Tim was pacing near the juice and wondering if he shouldn't have tried to get some wine instead.