Why? Why can’t you trust me and just lie low? Why risk everything by putting yourself in the spotlight?

She’d been up till 3 a.m. for this, and it had been worth every minute.

Suri surveys the table: colorful napkins and balloons, gift tied with a jaunty bow, and the cake in its crowning glory in the center. Six layers, covered in light-blue fondant, and decorated with marzipan stars, top hats, and little bunnies. She snaps a quick picture before the footsteps sound and the cake is about to be demolished. Then she stands back to watch the reaction.

Birthdays aren’t usually a big deal in their family, but this one — Zevi’s 12th — is different. It’s a chance to give him a boost, her sweet boy with the eager eyes. Her seventh grader who struggles just enough that it hurts, but not enough to be singled out for extra attention by the rebbi. Her boy who studies five hours straight for a 70, her son who brings home report cards with phrases like “heart of gold” and “A+ for effort” and that’s enough for her, but never enough for him.

It’s worth making a splash for him.

Atara waltzes into the kitchen, stops short. “Oooooh, nice, Ma. When’s the party?”

Suri smiles. “Now.”

The back door opens, and the three boys burst in, all grubby hands and muddy pants.

“Happy birthday, Zevi!” she crows, thrilling at the delight on his face. “Surprise! Go wash your hands, and then we can cut the cake!”

“And,” Atara interjects, “you can open your birthday gift. Right?”

The gift. How long she’d debated, wondering what Zevi would enjoy, what would make him feel special. Shmuel had laughed at her research, her endless rejecting of ideas, the six options saved in her Amazon cart until she’d finally made a decision.

Zevi had a craze for those kiddy magic tricks, born one summer after one of the counselors had put on an amateur magic show for the camp. The boys had watched, applauded, and headed on to the next activity — but Zevi had stayed behind, wide-eyed in wonder, as the older boy collected his props. A few days later, he’d come home proudly demonstrating some trick with a napkin, a cup, and a coin, and he’d picked up a couple of others as well.

The book she’d chosen looked straightforward and had great reviews. The main thing was to encourage Zevi’s interest in something out of school, something that made him feel good and special. Now, she holds her breath as he rips open the gift wrap. Discards the sparkly paper and holds his new book aloft.

The light in his eyes is magical.