For Frea's Birthday

It has been my great joy and privilege to get to know Frea O'Scanlin over the past year or so and become her friend.  We've made each other laugh, encouraged each other as we waded through giant stories that took over our lives (still, in my case), commiserated when life sucked and rejoiced when it didn't.  It has been a great honor to co-write a story with her (no, we haven't forgotten about Spies and Nerds), and learn from her as I strive to improve my writing.

Today is Frea's birthday and I wrote a little something for her as a present.  It's also my mom's birthday today, but she'll get a phone call from me instead.

This story is prompted by two pictures Frea made and posted on her Tumblr.  I don't remember exactly how the first one came about, but needless to say, it was one of the greatest things ever.  And the second one--well, let's just say I won that bet.  Enjoy.