It was a sunny morning, and Monroe was excited - today was his 10th birthday! He woke up to the smell of his favorite chocolate chip pancakes and raced downstairs, ready to celebrate. But when he reached the kitchen, his friends Zack and Liam were nowhere to be seen.

"Where are my friends?" Monroe asked his mom, a bit disappointed. "They promised they'd be here for my party."

"Don't worry, honey," his mom reassured him. "They're just running a little late. Why don't you open your presents while you wait?"

Monroe eagerly tore into the colorfully wrapped gifts, but he couldn't help feeling a little sad that his friends weren't there to share in the excitement.