Last week was my birthday, and honestly, it started terribly.

When I woke up, my wife didn’t say a word about it. No hug, no card, no “happy birthday.”

Then I checked my phone. Nothing from my parents. Nothing from my kids either.

I tried not to let it bother me, but by the time I got to work, I was feeling pretty miserable.

Surely someone at the office would remember.

But no.

I walked past my coworkers, sat at my desk, and not one person said anything.

Then, just as I was starting to feel completely forgotten, my secretary stepped into my office with a warm smile.

“Happy birthday, boss,” she said.

I couldn’t believe it. She was the only person who remembered.

A little later, she asked if I wanted to go out for lunch. Of course, I said yes.

We had a lovely meal, and afterward she smiled and said, “Why don’t we go back to my apartment for a little while?”

I was surprised, but I agreed.

When we got there, she looked at me and said, “Do you mind if I slip into the bedroom for a few minutes?”

“Sure,” I said, trying to act calm.

She disappeared into the bedroom, and I waited on the sofa, imagining all sorts of possibilities.

Five minutes later, the door opened.

Out she came, carrying a birthday cake.

Behind her were my wife, my parents, my kids, my friends, and all my colleagues.

They all shouted:

“SURPRISE!!!”

While I was waiting on the sofa… naked.