if he really wanted to do something, he’d figure out a way to do it anyway. So best just make him aware of the benefits and risks. So his mom and dad had reasoned, anyway.
The real kicker, the lynchpin to the success of this party getting off the ground, though, was Dante’s birthday. His birthday was October 18th. His parent’s anniversary was October 18th. That’s right, same day. Dante’s parents used to joke that he was their little anniversary present. But now after nearly 18 years of Dante having to share his birthday- the greatest day in any kid’s year this side of Christmas- and their anniversary- the most romantic day of the year this side of Valentine’s- all involved were a little sick of it.