The house was silent as Gruff and his family filled jars with different fruits and berries. The team worked in tandem, each one carrying out his or her task before handing the jar off to the next person in line. A large cricket chirped loudly outside their window, and Ma set down the last jar. “We should head to bed.”

Jonah yawned with his entire body. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”

“Jonah—” Ma stopped the pale man as he began to walk away, “Don’t stay up all night planning pranks.”

“I would never.”

“I’m serious. We have a lot to do before this mission.” 

“But Ma! It’s tradition.” Ma raised an eyebrow at Jonah and he heaved a huge sigh. “Fine,” he grumbled as he stomped off to his room.

“Hopefully, you will get a break this year.” Ma ruffled Gruff’s hair.

“Thank you, Ma.” 

“Any time. Now go to sleep.”

The bedroom was dark, and Gruff stared at the ceiling as he lay on his back. A soft rustling was heard from the other side of the room. 

“Gruff,” Jonah spoke. “Sorry I won’t be able to prank you this year.”

Gruff turned to his side and squinted across the room. “Jonah, you know you don’t have to distract me from my birthday anymore, right?”

“But it’s become a tradition for me!” Jonah pouted. “Also, sometimes I worry. Ma and Marcia never shared a room with you when you were little. They don’t know how bad your nightmares got.”

“I’m fine, really.” Gruff rolled onto his back.

“Okay, but I’m still gonna prank you at least once a year. It’ll be a big one.”

Gruff smiled to himself. “I’ll look forward to it.”