“The Birthday Stop”
Suburban road. A family minivan sits on the shoulder, hazard lights blinking. A police cruiser is parked behind it. Inside the car, a mom grips the wheel, the dad sits beside her, and their young daughter is in the back seat — dressed in a sparkly dress, holding a small gift bag.
COP (approaching the window):
“Good afternoon. License and registration, please. Do you know why I pulled you over?”
DAD (sighs):
“Yeah, officer… I think I may have rolled that stop sign back there. I wasn’t trying to rush — we’re just in a bit of a hurry.”
COP (nodding):
“I understand. Just need to verify a few things.”
As the officer reaches for his notepad, a little voice pipes up from the back seat.
LITTLE GIRL (urgently):
“Mister Police Officer! Can you please be fast? I’m gonna be late for my friend’s birthday party!”
The cop pauses. Looks inside. Her big eyes are pleading. Her hair is tied in ribbons. She’s bouncing in her booster seat with excitement and impatience.
LITTLE GIRL (continued):
“I have the present and everything! We’re doing cake and bouncy house!”
The officer smiles, just slightly. The tension in the air softens.
COP (grinning):
“A bouncy house, huh? Sounds serious.”
MOM (chuckling nervously):
“It’s her best friend. She’s been talking about this all week.”
COP (pausing):
“Tell you what. Drive safe, no more rolling stops, and… make sure she gets a second slice of cake for me.”
LITTLE GIRL (beaming):
“Yesss!! You’re invited too if you want!”
Everyone laughs. The officer tips his hat and steps back.
COP:
“Have a great party, kiddo.”
