Final answer:
Without more context, it's not possible to determine the worst thing that happened on Rachel's birthday. The severity of each potential scenario may vary based on personal values and the specific circumstances surrounding her birthday.
Step-by-step explanation:
The worst thing that happened on Rachel's birthday is not specified within the provided context, so it's not possible to say whether it was a bad present, her cake being ruined, nobody showing up to her party, or her falling and getting injured. Each of these scenarios could be upsetting in its own way.
For instance, receiving a bad present might be disappointing, but could also be amusing depending on what the present is and Rachel's sense of humor. If her cake was ruined, it could be a significant letdown, especially if Rachel had been looking forward to a special dessert.
In contrast, nobody showing up to her party would likely be quite hurtful as it might make her feel unappreciated or forgotten by her friends. Finally, falling and getting injured could not only be physically painful but also spoil the festive mood of the celebration.
To empathize with Rachel's situation, you might reflect on your last birthday party and how you would feel if these events occurred. Considering how old you are could also influence which scenario seems the worst since different age groups might place varying levels of importance on different aspects of a birthday celebration.
Lastly, the detail about needing to wear an oven mitt to take a cake out of the oven hints at the importance of safety and proper precautions, which while necessary, does not necessarily indicate the severity of a ruined cake compared to the other options.