Cupcakes

I was making cupcakes tonight for my brother A’s birthday, which we plan on celebrating tomorrow. I resorted to using a cake mix and pre-made frosting (the kind that is sold in a tube) and I decorated the tops by spelling out his name. Getting each letter right proved to be a challenge and when I did a sample taste of the final product I was immediately disappointed. The cupcakes tasted okay but, well, they were nothing to write home about. For a few brief moments I considered scratching the whole thing. I could go to the store, Whole Foods probably, and buy the most delicious tasting desert in the world. I wouldn’t pass it off as my own creation. I’d just explain, “I’m a horrible baker but you won’t have to suffer through it because these cupcakes are from somewhere delicious. And they’re organic.” But I stopped myself from doing this because I knew, my sentimental brother who is turning 28, would overlook my poor excuse for cupcakes and probably smile inside because I put forth so much effort. Even if such effort involved one Duncan Hines cake mix.