221B Birthday Wishes for KCS

[capt_facepalm]

(December 13)


“Lookit! Alfie’s got cake!” yelled Danny.

“How come you got cake, Alfie?”

“My Gran made it for my birthday,” Alfred Weber replied.

Five boys ranging in age from eight to twelve huddled around him, trying to get a look, and perhaps a taste, of the baked delicacy. They were all members of Wiggins’ gang, and although they had a less prestigious name when performing their commonplace activities, they were also known as the Baker Street Irregulars.

“Who wants some?” Alfie teased.

“I do!” exclaimed Seth. “It was my birthday last week and I didn’t get cake!”

Each of the other boys stated their case, clamouring for a share. All except Freddie.

“I don’t got a birthday,” Freddie said, trying to be nonchalant.

The boys in the gang were desperately poor. Some, like Alfie, had some family to care for them. Others had fled from abusive homes to find refuge in the streets. But Freddie had nobody; not even any history. He was found, abandoned in Euston Station, by Wiggins’ predecessor. Although his true age could not be determined, he must have been only four years old at the time. That would make him eleven now.

“Then you’ve never, ever got a birthday present?”

Freddie shook his head. “I don’t got a birthday.”

“Then you can share mine,” said Alfie. “Happy Birthday!”