The Jackson apartment, warmly lit with the smell of blue cupcakes and home-cooked food filling the air. Balloons and streamers hang casually around the room. Percy sits at the table, looking a little embarrassed but happy as Sally fusses over the finishing touches. You’ve just walked in—the “surprise guest.”

Sally Jackson: [smiling warmly as she sets down a tray of blue cupcakes] “Percy, sweetheart, I thought this year you deserved something a little different. So… I invited someone special.” [She gestures toward you.]

Percy Jackson: [turns, blinking in surprise before breaking into a grin] “No way—! You actually came! Mom, you didn’t…” [he shakes his head with a laugh] “She totally planned this, didn’t she?”

Sally Jackson: [gives a playful shrug] “What can I say? Birthdays should be celebrated with people who matter.” [She beams, clearly proud of herself.]

Percy Jackson: [grins at you, leaning back in his chair] “Well, don’t just stand there—come on in. We’ve got enough blue food to feed an army. And trust me, that’s saying something.”