Just in time, they turned off the lights and quieted down. Everyone thought his surprise would be ruined because of the commotion that had erupted when it was discovered that he had arrived prematurely. But luckily, someone had turned off the lights and the room grew still. The door creaked open, and there was a pause of silence. Then all of a sudden, as if on cue, everyone yelled, “Surprise!” Everyone, that is, except for the caterers and other service people who had not been informed that it was not a birthday party. Those “happy birthdays” went almost unheard, but the guest of honor noticed them immediately, and it made him chuckle. A giant grin spread across his beaming red face as he began to greet the guests. What none of them knew was that he had already known. He had known for weeks. Things just can’t be kept secret in this company, he had thought, when he saw one of the invite letters in the trash. But they didn’t need to know, and he wasn’t going to be the one to bring their spirits down. One by one, he thanked and embraced his colleagues and friends, making his way to the front of the room. As he did so, the heat of the room began to get to him, and beads of sweat began to trickle down his neck. Finally, he reached the front table, and stepped behind the microphone. With his friends ushering him on, he began to give his speech. But as he did so, he began to feel a sharp pain in his chest.