Helium

– You know this impending birthday?
– Which?
– Yours. Your birthday. Impending.
– Yes. Of course.
– It seems to be impending quite imminently.
– I suppose it is getting closer.
– It's just that you seem to be quite relaxed about it.
– Well, perhaps I take a somewhat stoical view. It is one of those things you can do little about. It will happen, I am sure, regardless of anything I do. Another year older.
– Indeed. But think of all you've achieved this last year.
– I'm afraid not a great deal comes to mind. It doesn't seem to have been the most action-packed of years.
– Surely something of note must have happened?
– Let me think about it.
– At least you can have a raucous celebration on the day itself.
– I don't know. I'm not really into raucousness. Perhaps a quieter, calmer celebration will be more appropriate: to reflect on the slow and steady trickle of time.
– What about balloons? They are always fun. Especially on a birthday.
– You think I should get balloons?
– Everybody likes balloons.