Countdown...

 

     Three people gathered around the heavy iron table, the smell of pizza thick in the air.

     "You'll have to help me tomorrow." Said the older of the two women. "We have a long list of things to do."

     The young man looked up from his third slice of pizza. "Tomorrow is the 29th."

     His aunt stopped collecting dishes to look at him. "Yes, its Saturday."

"It's the 29th." He repeated, giving her a pointed look.

"Okay." She said slowly. "So what is the 29th?" Her gaze darted from her nephew to the girl seated next to him.

"The 29th," He said solemnly. "Is the day before Maddie's birthday. It's Maddie Eve."