I'm still balking at the idea that he's never celebrated his birthday before when he pushes onto the next unbelievable thing. Not for the first time, I'm reminded of Harry Potter - the parallels between their lives is pretty uncanny at times. I can only imagine the conversation if the two of them were to ever meet!

"Did you fight him?" I ask, instinctively holding his hand tighter again. "Forgive me for saying so, but that seems like an awfully big responsibility for a teenager. Also," I add, reaching across go give him a light poke with my free hand. "Don't think I'm gonna let that birthday thing slide. I'll pick a day myself if I have to. Everyone deserves a day to celebrate themselves."