Janey and Bobby had decorated the area surrounding the pool with streamers and balloons. Carl stacked a pile of party poppers on another table near the barbecue that Wayne, Tick, and Tock were setting up. D. J. placed a bucket of fish next to the barbecue.
“We will be grilling lots of fish tonight,” D. J. laughed.
Feathers suggested they clear a space for a bonfire, where they could all hang out after dinner. He chose a spot by the river, which was just steps from the pool.
“I can’t wait to dance by the bonfire again tonight. That is so much fun,” Feathers said.
Avis and Tavis arrived. They each carried a basket filled with colorful party hats. The sisters handed the party hats out to everyone. “We need to be dressed in festive attire when he arrives.”
“When is he arriving?” Carl asked as he sat down by the pool. “I’m getting tired and I don’t want this party to go all night. The sooner it gets started, the sooner it will be over.”
“It should be any minute now,” Janey replied.
Carl picked up the plate of party poppers and handed them out to everyone. “We have to shout ‘Surprise!’ and then set off our party poppers,” Carl instructed everyone. “I love noisemakers because they take very little energy to use, but they create a sense of excitement and celebration.”
“That’s so true,” Feathers agreed.
Janey pulled out a pair of binoculars. “I see them. They’re walking over the bridge.”
The gang, dressed in party hats with party poppers in hand, crowded behind the orange trees. When they heard Lars ask Happy, “Is that a pool?” they all jumped up and shouted, “Surprise!” and then set off their party poppers.
Lars was in shock. “Wow! You guys are amazing!”
“And you thought we forgot about you,” Alana said jokingly.
“We were busy putting together this party,” Janey said. “This was all Alana’s idea.”
“It wasn’t mine alone. We all wanted to celebrate your birthday. Janey thought we should have a pool party, so we got a pool,” Alana said.
“This is great! I love pools, and now we have one on Furtopia. This is the best birthday present ever because we can all use this pool together,” Lars exclaimed. He walked to the diving board and dove into the pool.
Everyone followed by jumping and diving into the pool. Avis played a tape with J. J. Swooner songs and the gang sang along as they splashed in the new pool.
“This is the best birthday ever,” Lars told them. “I can’t wait to see what you guys do next year.”
Alana laughed. “This party hasn’t even ended and you’re thinking about next year’s party?”
“I’m sorry. I am so happy you guys threw this party for me. Honestly, nobody has ever done anything like this for me before.”
The sun set and D. J. announced he had to leave. “I’m sorry to go before it’s over, but I’m hosting a competition on another island tomorrow and I have to travel there now.”
“Thank you again for hosting the competition,” Janey said.
Alana said, “I hope you come back and host another one soon.”
“Me too,” he replied. Then he turned and walked back to the other side of the island, which housed the dock.
As he walked away, Alana looked up at the stars. She thought about the stars that sprinkled the night sky, and she wondered how many stars there were. It also made her wonder how many islands there were. She wondered how many islands D. J. had visited. He probably knew every island in this island adventure world. She thought about all the messages in bottles she had picked up since she had arrived on Furtopia and bet that D. J. had met all of those strangers who had sent their DIY projects out to sea. Or perhaps the messages were all sent from one person. Alana wanted to travel to find out who sent them. She also hoped she’d meet more folks who might want to live on Furtopia, like Janey and Bobby. She couldn’t wait to see who else would move to the island. There was a great big world out there, and she wanted to explore it. For now, she was happy enjoying this festive event with her friends.
Alana pulled out the ukulele she had made from the directions given to her by a stranger. At the start of the summer, Lars was a stranger, and now he was one of her best friends. She handed him the ukulele, and he surprised everyone by playing a J. J. Swooner ballad. The song was about a dog who longed to be free and travel the world. Alana listened to Lars do his best J. J. Swooner impersonation as he lowered his voice and crooned the heartfelt melody.
Everyone applauded when the song ended. Lars bowed and then pointed. “I see a piñata! Let’s play!”
The gang each took turns wearing a blindfold and hitting the piñata until it burst open, showering them with candy. Everyone grabbed what they could and filled their pockets with sweets.
At the end of the night, Alana put a candle in one of the cupcakes and the group sang “Happy Birthday.” Then Lars blew out his candle.
“I hope you made a wish,” Alana said.
“It already came true,” Lars smiled.
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