BEN ROLAND AND THE SECRET MARK

The sharp sound of the doorbell echoed through the quiet house.

Ben stirred in bed, his eyes opening slowly.

He sat up and glanced at the clock. Morning already?

Across the room, Tyler was still fast asleep.

Downstairs in the kitchen, Margaret had begun preparing breakfast.

She chopped vegetables and muttered to herself as the kettle whistled softly.

"Why hasn't anyone woken up yet?" she said under her breath.

"Richard doesn't care, and those two boys are still snoring away… Looks like I'll have to answer the door myself."

With a small sigh, she wiped her hands on a towel and walked over to the front door.

Creak—

The hinges groaned as she opened it.

No one was there.

Margaret stepped out onto the front step, scanning left and right. Not a soul in sight.

Then, something caught her eye — a letter, lying on the doorstep.

She picked it up, curious.

It had no name. No address. No writing at all.

Blank.

"What sort of joke is this?" she muttered.

She folded the paper and tossed it straight into the kitchen bin as she walked back inside.

In the kitchen, Richard stood by the sink, sipping a glass of water.

"You're up early," Margaret remarked.

"It's Sunday," Richard said. "Looks like you've forgotten."

"Oh, I did," she admitted. "I've been so caught up this morning."

"By the way," he added, "I heard the doorbell."

"Yes, someone rang it. But there was no one there. Just a blank letter. Threw it in the bin."

Just then, Ben came downstairs, yawning.

"Ben, the garage is in a right state," Margaret said sharply.

"You'll need to clean it today."

"Alright, Aunt. I'll do it now," Ben replied softly.

Tyler came downstairs shortly after, stretching.

"Tyler, breakfast is ready. Go wash up," Margaret called.

Ben made his way towards the garage.

"Aren't you having breakfast first?" Richard asked.

"Would you even give me any?" Ben replied with a dry look.

Margaret interjected,

"Go freshen up first, and then have breakfast. And don't forget — clean the garage properly afterwards."

Ben nodded and headed off.

What no one seemed to remember…

was that today was Ben's birthday.

No wishes. No surprises. Just chores.

As he disappeared down the hallway, Margaret whispered to Richard:

"I was planning to feed him after the garage was done."

"Don't worry about it," Richard said. "Don't let it ruin your morning."

Moments later, Tyler returned, dressed and cheerful.

"Mum," he said excitedly, "it's Ben's birthday today! Shall we plan something to surprise him?"

Margaret turned to Richard, who nodded thoughtfully.

"Why not celebrate it here at home?" he said. "Doesn't have to be anything big."

"Yes, alright," Margaret agreed.

"Let's go and wish him then."

Just as they spoke, Ben reappeared.

"Happy birthday, Ben," Margaret said, casually.

"Happy birthday," Richard added in a flat tone.

But Tyler stepped forward, smiling brightly.

"Happy birthday, mate!" he said with genuine cheer, patting Ben on the back.

Ben managed a small smile.

"Thanks…"

"I'll help you with the garage," Tyler said. "We'll get it done faster together."

Ben glanced at him, surprised.

"Thanks, Tyler."

Margaret looked between them quietly, then clapped her hands.

"Well then, shall we begin breakfast?"

"Finally," Richard said with a nod.

They all sat down at the table.

The day had started strangely.

But far away, lying quietly in the kitchen bin…

the blank letter had begun to glow.