8 . “Meera, do you remember what day it is tomorrow?” a...

8 . “Meera, do you remember what day it is tomorrow?” asks Rani.

“It’s Mummy’s birthday!” cries Meera. “What are we going to give her as a(n) ________?”

That is the ________. They can’t think of anything! Maybe they can buy her some flowers or make her a birthday card. But that doesn’t seem ________ enough for Mummy!

Both girls wonder (琢磨) ________ they can make Mummy’s birthday a big surprise. They ask Papa for help. After an hour of discussing with Papa, the girls agree with each other. They finally have a ________!

Next morning Papa ________ the girls very early, even before the sun rises (升起). Quickly and quietly, the three of them start to ________. Papa and Rani blow up balloons (吹气球)—red, yellow, green, blue—and Meera hangs (悬挂) them all ________ the house. Soon the room looks very ________.

Then they go into the ________. “Let’s make breakfast!” Papa begins giving instructions (指令) and ________ the girls in a low voice. Rani and Meera do as Papa says. ________ the children make the breakfast ready. There are sandwiches, a fruit salad, an egg and a glass ________ warm milk.

Mummy comes out of her room. The girls run to her and hug (拥抱) her, “________!”

“What a wonderful ________!” cries Mummy, looking at the balloons and the breakfast table. It is the best breakfast Mummy has ever eaten.