LUCY'S BIRTHDAY

 LUCY’S BIRTHDAY

The little girl next door was often home alone, and Mabel’s tentative offer of after-school tea and biscuits grew into friendship.

“I’ll be eight next week,” Lucy announced one day.

Mabel smiled. “What present would you like?”

Lucy grimaced. “Nothing – Mum would be cross.”

Mabel sympathised – the poorer you were, the more pride mattered.

 On Lucy’s birthday Mabel baked a cake – her mother couldn’t object to that – and gave Lucy a small envelope.

“A credit card?” Lucy gasped.

“No – something much better,” said Mabel, “a library card. We can read books together.”

A gift for both of them.

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I was thrilled that my granddaughter asked for books last week for her 7th birthday - perhaps she'll read the books I wrote with my older grandchildren in mind! And my son's friend's library in Canada actually offers a birthday party service - an excellent way to draw children into reading.

Thanks to Ted Strutz for the photo prompt, and to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on her blog.  https://rochellewisoff.com/