Ella woke to sunlight streaming in, so bright, But no one said, "Happy Birthday!"—not a card in sight. She tiptoed downstairs, feeling a little blue, Where was the birthday magic? What could she do? No banners or balloons, just silence and toast, Today didn’t feel special, not even close. She whispered, "Maybe everyone forgot," Her cat Purdy purred, "Don’t worry a lot!" Ella scratched his head with a hopeful smile.

Purdy dashed away with a wink of his eye, Something about him said, "There’s more to this, oh my!" Ella followed him into the hall, Where shadows flickered, big and small. "What are you up to, Purdy?" she asked out loud, Her voice bounced softly, no crowd, The cat meowed back, "Just wait and see," His tail flicked like a birthday key, Ella’s heart quickened, she grinned with glee.

Ella discovered a note taped to her shoe, In curly handwriting: "Follow the clue!" She giggled and whispered, "A treasure hunt, perhaps?" She raced to her room, checking drawers and maps. Under her pillow, a ribbon in blue, "Find the place where the lilies grew." She hurried to the garden, Purdy at her heel, This game was exciting—an adventurous feel! What could be next in this hidden appeal?

The lilies danced gently, swaying in sun, Ella searched around, thrilled by the fun. A box was tucked under green leafy shade, Wrapped in pink paper, carefully made. "For Ella," it read in a sparkling curl, She opened it up with a jump and a twirl. Inside was a puzzle, a piece of a map, "Onward!" she said, giving Purdy a tap. Where did the next hint perhaps overlap?

The puzzle piece sparkled with clues to decode, "Next, where stories are lovingly stowed." Ella and Purdy hurried inside, To the bookshelf, where secrets might hide. Behind her favorite fairy tale, She found another clue, neat as a nail. "To the place where cookies bake," "Let’s go!" she grinned, "for goodness' sake!" Off to the kitchen, her heart awake.

In the kitchen, the smell of cinnamon sweet, Ella peeked under the treat-laden seat. A tiny note waited, with sprinkles of red, "Look under the stairs for the next clue ahead!" She winked at Purdy, "Shall we explore?" They zipped to the hallway, hearts ready for more. A giggle escaped as they searched for the trinket, Purdy meowed, "Almost, just think it!" What magic would be at the end of her ticket?

Behind the stairs, a door—small and round, Ella pushed gently, it hardly made a sound. Inside were balloons and sparkling light, She gasped in delight at the wonderful sight. "Purdy," she laughed, "was this your plan?" Purdy winked—"As clever as I am!" A banner that read, "Happy Birthday, Ella!" Hung over a cake with pink frosting, vanilla. What a wonderful, magical birthday novella!

Suddenly, the door swung open wide, Ella’s friends and family cheered inside. "Surprise!" they shouted, tossing confetti high, Ella beamed, nearly ready to cry. "We planned this adventure just for you, To fill your day with fun things to do!" Purdy danced circles on the floor, Ella hugged each friend, wanting more. This was a birthday she’d never ignore!

They played pin the tail and musical chairs, Laughter and squeals filled all the airs. Ella and Purdy raced in sack hops, Winning prizes and yummy gumdrops. Her best friend Mia gave her a crown, Ella twirled in her party gown. They even made hats with glitter and glue, Singing songs, their friendship grew. Such a party, everybody knew!

The cake was as big as Ella’s dreams, With strawberries, candles, and chocolate streams. Everyone sang her favorite song, Ella couldn’t help but sing along. She closed her eyes, took a breath so deep, And whispered a wish she promised to keep. Purdy tapped her gently, reminding her to blow, All candles out in one fantastic show. Applause erupted, faces all aglow.

A sparkly box waited, wrapped in a bow, "Open it, Ella!" her friends urged low. Inside was a scrapbook, shining with glue, Filled with memories old and new. Pictures and drawings, smiles from the past, Ella’s heart swelled—how long would it last? She hugged her family, friends, and Purdy tight, "Thanks for making this day so right!" Her joy sparkled as pure delight.

The sun set gently, ending the day, Ella and Purdy watched colors fade away. She whispered, "This was the best birthday yet," Purdy agreed, with no regret. Everyone else waved their goodbyes, Fireflies danced under evening skies. Ella smiled, memories bright as the stars, "With love and surprises, birthdays go far!" A magical ending to a day bizarre.