Leah and Alfie

Leah and Alfie

Oscar and Nettie Crowley were having a wonderful time in Greensboro. Nettie grew up there and knew just about everyone in town.

They had dinner with the Cooper children at Gladys and Arthur Preston's home. The Prestons had taken the Cooper children in when their father died and their mother's mental state had deteriorated so much she had to be confined to a home. The home was unlike an insane asylum and gave Alice Cooper a chance for a normal life in the future.

The Cooper children were thriving under the care of Gladys and Arthur. They had stability and order in their lives for the first time in many years. Marlin Cooper had been a mean father and a miserable human being. There was speculation that because of a brain tumor, his behavior had become erratic and unreasonable. Alice's fear of him drove her over the edge.

Polly Cooper was banished from the home when she had been victimized into believing she was the bride of James Philpot. James had arranged a wedding ceremony with his cousin posing as a minister. Polly found herself in the family way. James discovered the Cooper's weren't as rich as he thought and her father wasn't about to give him a dime. He told her to get rid of the baby and he left town.

Polly gave birth to a baby girl she named Faith. She left Greensboro seeking the help of her old school teacher, Nettie Dawson. Nettie took her into her home and her heart. Nettie married Oscar Crowley and the four of them were a family. Eventually, Polly married Randy Burke and left the Crowley home leaving it a little too quiet for the young at heart couple.

“We came to Greensboro with the Merryweathers and Wilsons. We thought there might be a child or two that wouldn't mind living with us old folks. We will be returning there tomorrow morning. We would like to be able to give a child a home and also free up some space for other needy children,” said Nettie.

“Oh Nettie, that is a wonderful idea,” said Gladys. “Arthur and I haven't been this happy since our own children left the nest. I think it has brought out the best in both of us. We love these children so very much I can't imagine them not being in our lives.”

“Nettie, did you mention Thanksgiving?” said Oscar.

“No, I haven't. It seems the year just started and already we are talking about Thanksgiving. Oscar and I would like you and the children, and your grown children also, to join us for Thanksgiving dinner. We will have a houseful with the boys and their families and Polly and her family.”

“Nettie, that's way too many people for you to serve at one time.”

“No, we have plenty of room. Oscar had an addition put on this summer. He is sure the boys and Faith are going to be filling the house with grandchildren and he wants to be ready when that happens. Besides, Trudy is already planning the menu. She is tired of just serving the two of us all the time. Of course she will have plenty of help in the kitchen that day. When she and Polly get together they cook up a storm. It takes us three days of recuperating after one of their meals.”

“It would be so nice to be together. I'm sure the children will love being with Polly and Faith for a few days.”

Oscar and Nettie said goodbye to their friends. Oscar was beginning to miss his own bed in his own house. “Let's get back to Camden Corners before suppertime tomorrow. All that talk about Miss Trudy's cooking has made me homesick.”

“I'd like that too Oscar. Evelyn said she had two children she would like us to meet this morning. We have been so busy visiting old friends and you boys capturing criminals that we haven't had as much time at the villa as I would have liked.”

Bright and early the next morning, Oscar and Nettie were in Evelyn's office.

“The two children I mentioned came to us about a week ago. They have not adjusted well to the environment. Neither one of the children have opened up to any of us. They are frightened and I fear they may have been kidnapped from their parents and threatened in such a way that they are afraid to speak. One of the young men in town has a cousin who is a policeman and lives in New York City. He found these children wandering in the streets. The normal procedure would have been to scoop them up and take them to the nearest foundling home. The fellow had heard of our facility here through his cousin and put them on a train to Greensboro. The cousin brought them directly here from the train station.

From what little they have said, it is obvious they have a British accent. We have alerted the London authorities of their whereabouts but they have not received any reports of missing children. The clothes they arrived in were tattered but of very good quality. That is about all I can tell you about them. They are sweet children but very troubled. Do you think you would be interested?”

Tears were running down Nettie's cheeks and Oscar knew, sight unseen, these were the children for them.

Evelyn called the children into the room. “Alfred and Leah, these nice people are Mr. & Mrs. Crowley. They would like to take you to their home to stay with them for a while. Do you think you would like that?”

They both shrugged and looked at the floor.

“Alfred, Leah, I am very happy to meet you. You may call me Miss Nettie if you would like to and this is Mr. Oscar. We would very much like you to come with us to Camden Corners. I think you would like it there. Do you think you would like to ride on the train again?”

“He likes to be called Alfie.” Leah said without raising her eyes from the floor.

“Alfie, do you like to fish? We have a big lake that has hundreds of fish in it. Do you like playing ball? There are many things we can do in Camden Corners.” Oscar said without getting more than a nod from Alfie.

Peggy came to gather the children. “Come with me children. We will collect your things and you may go with Miss Nettie and Mr. Oscar to their home.” The two children marched out of the room like little soldiers.

“I hope we can bring them out of their shells. The poor little things, they are scared to death. Oscar, we must hire a private investigator to track down their family.”

“I've already thought of that my dear. I will contact one in New York City that I have dealt with before. I wish we had more information about them. We'll have the Marino boy take a photo of each of them. That will help in the search.”

“How old are the children Evelyn, do you have any idea?”

“At first I thought they were twins but I'm thinking they are probably just close in age. I think Leah is around 7 and Alfie might be 6. I think Alfie is tall for his age. I believe they may have lived a rather cloistered life. They are not comfortable being so close to so many children. Even with the problems most of our residents have, they do seek out children their own age. Leah and Alfie just cling to each other. Are you two sure about this? I hope I haven't burdened you too much.”

“We will do our best. We will work on finding their family and in the meantime we will try to make them as comfortable as we can. I have worked with many disturbed children over the years, I know it won't be easy but hopefully we can help them get through their current situation.”

“I was hoping we could get together this evening with Polly and the boys but it might be best if we just have a quiet time together. I'll gather some of the books we have left from when Faith was here. Maybe reading to the children will be the best thing we can do for them tonight.” said Nettie.

“That's a good idea dear. I haven't been able to get more than a grunt out of Alfie during the entire train ride. I thought an ice cream sundae would help but he still said nothing.”

“He did enjoy that ice cream though. So you did communicate through your stomachs.” Nettie laughed.

Trudy served them a nice supper. “I've never known children to be so quiet. Are you sure you two have tongues?” she teased as she placed a roll on each one of their plates.

Alfie stuck his tongue out and giggled just a little. Leah grabbed his arm as though trying to stop him from saying anything. It didn't go unnoticed by any of the adults.

“Oscar we must find out why these children are so terrified. I wonder if we should call Doc McMillan to examine them?”

“That's not a bad idea. I've asked Tony Marino to come over to take a picture of them. He will develop it and I'll have it sent special delivery to the investigator in New York.

Nettie sat on the sofa and spread the books out on the table in front of her. “Would you like to choose a book to read Leah?”

Leah shook her head no and sat in a chair by the window staring out.

“How about you Alfie?”

Alfie pointed to one and then looked at his sister. He shook his head no and went to the window sitting on the same chair as Leah.

Nettie picked up one that was a favorite of Faiths and began reading. After several minutes, Alfie stood up and walked over to Nettie. His legs started to get tired and he sat down beside her. Not too long after that, Leah got up and came over to the sofa. She sat on the other side of Nettie.

Oscar walked into the room. What a picture this was. Nettie with a child on each side of her. He thought once again what a wonderful mother she would have made.

Tony Marino stopped by to take photos of the children. They didn't know what he was doing and had seen many strange things in the United States so they just ignored him. If they had known their likenesses were going to be sent to an investigator, they may not have been so cooperative.

Doc arrived and checked them over a bit. He talked to them in his quiet way and they both actually smiled. “I think they have suffered a trauma. You are right to be concerned. I would say they have been threatened in some way about not saying anything. I can't think of any better people for them to be with right now. My advice is just to listen if and when they begin to open up. I think they already feel comfortable being with you. The villa may have been a little too hectic for them. Good luck and I'll check back later this week.”

Nettie tucked the children into their beds. They chose to sleep in the same room and that was fine with her. She and Oscar watched from the doorway a while later as both of these precious children slept.

In a castle outside of London, a young mother was wringing her hands. “Where can they be Phillip, where can my children be?”

“Minerva, I think it's time we call the authorities. Our Leah and Alfie have been gone so long and there has been no word about the ransom in weeks. If they are still alive we need to find them.”

“Phillip, no. I won't allow it. The kidnapper said they would die if we called the authorities. We will be killing our own children.”

The butler knocked on the door. “Begging your pardon, sir. There is a gentleman to see you. He is from Scotland Yard shall I show him in?”

“Yes Briggs, please show him in.”

“How do you do, sir? Hiram Rowntree here,” showing his badge he continued, “I would like to ask you a few questions about a Miss Bridget Davies. I believe she was in your employ as nanny to your two children.”

“Yes sir, she was up until four months ago. I believe she was leaving London to wed a gentleman up north somewhere.”

“I'm sorry to inform you that her body has been discovered in a ditch. She had been bludgeoned to death.”

Minerva cried out at the news.

“That is horrible detective, I wonder if you would excuse my wife. She has been under a doctor's care of late and should not be subjected to this stress.”

“I understand. If we need information from her we can ask her at a later time. Can you tell me all you know about Miss Davies?

“I'm sorry officer, I know very little about her personal life. She was recommended by the agency we go through for all our domestic help. Our children seemed to be very fond of her and were disappointed when she left.”

“I wonder if I may speak with your children.”

Phillip had been forced to lie about the children's whereabouts before and quickly said, “I'm afraid they are visiting their grandparents in Bromley.”

“I don't think it will necessary to disturb you any further sir. I'm sorry to have been the bearer of such unhappy news. I bid you farewell.”

The door shut behind the detective. Those two are hiding something, he thought to himself. They haven't seen the last of me.

“Minerva, we have to do something. I saw the look in that detective's eye. He knew I wasn't being completely honest with him. It is time to report the children as missing. We can't go on like this wondering where they are.”

Minerva agreed. “Wherever they are, I hope they know we are thinking of them.”

At that moment, a smile came across Leah and Alfie's faces as they slept. “Oscar look, they are both smiling. I hope they are having happy dreams.”

Two and Two Make a Family

 

Two and Two Make a Family

After a delightful evening filled with good food and good company, Caroline and Lucinda are about to retire for the night when they hear a sneeze in the hydrangea bushes under the porch railing. They discover two children hiding there.

“We mean no harm ma'am. We were just looking for any scraps of food you might be throwing away” said the little boy who couldn't have been much more than 9 years old.

“Come out of there children. Where did you come from and what are you doing hiding in the bushes?”

Along with the boy, a little girl around 6 stepped out. They were both filthy dirty and shivering although it was a warm summer evening. Caroline and Lucinda hustled them into the house. They didn't wait for an explanation but started filling the bathtubs with warm soapy water. Caroline guided the boy to one room and took the girl by the hand into the other. She had a stack of clothing that tenants had left behind. Caroline always laundered the items and placed them in a safe place in case their owners ever came back for them. She was able to find a pair of pajamas that she thought would fit the boy and Lucinda found a nightgown of Cassandras that should fit the girl just fine for the night.

The little girl was all but falling asleep in the warm water. Caroline washed her grimy hair, rinsed her off and wrapped her in a towel before putting on Cassandra's nightgown.

“What is your name, sweetheart?”

There was no reply. Only the two big eyes staring at her. By that time the boy had emerged from the tub, clean from head to toe. Caroline wasn't accustomed to little boys but she imagined that they usually didn't get themselves this clean.

“She doesn't talk” said the boy.

The women took the children into the kitchen and started warming up the leftovers from the evening meal. They both devoured the plates of food. Caroline shivered at the thought of how long it had been since they had eaten. After they had finished eating, the little girl was barely able to keep her eyes open. Lucinda carried her up the stairs to one of the guest rooms.

“No, I have to stay with my sister. She will wake up and be afraid if I'm not there.”

Lucinda said she would sit in the room with her until he came upstairs but he would need to stay and talk to Miss Caroline before he came up to bed. Cassandra brought her favorite doll into the room to help comfort the little girl. Lucinda was proud of her daughter. That doll was the last thing given to her by her Papa and it was very special to her. The little girl woke up and looked around for her brother.

“Your brother is downstairs and will be here soon. Cassandra and I will keep you company until he comes.”

Cassandra was amazed that the little girl didn't speak.

“My Mama and I lived in New York City in a big building next to my grandfather. But, I didn't know he was my grandfather. But, he died. But, we came to Camden Corners. Camden Corners is a magic place. You will see. If you stay here you will be able to talk again. I just know it. Do you like the park? There is a big park by the water. Mr. Nick took Mama and me there. Maybe he can take you too. We will have fun.”

Cassandra went on and on. Lucinda would have stopped the little chatterbox but the girl seemed to be hanging on every word. She thought she saw a little glimmer in the child's eyes. She couldn't help but wonder what had gone on in this little girl's life that caused her to be unable to speak. Meanwhile the boy was sitting at the kitchen table with Caroline.

He said “My name is Kenny and my sister's name is Rebecca but I call her Becky.”

Caroline fixed him a tall glass of milk and a plate of cookies as he told her how he and his sister ended up hiding beneath her hydrangea bushes.

“We lived in Portersville with our mama and papa. Mama always sang songs to Becky and me but one day she stopped singing. Papa said she was very sick and it was hard for her to talk. She would smile at us and give us hugs but she didn't talk to us anymore and finally she went to sleep and didn't wake up.

Papa was so sad that he went to see Mr. Benson to get some medicine. He would bring the medicine home in a big jug and drink from the jug until he fell asleep. Papa cried a lot and didn't talk to us anymore except to tell us to be quiet. Becky liked to sing the songs that Mama sang to us but Papa told her to stop that singing or she would end up dead like our mama. Becky stopped singing and stopped talking too. The doctor said Papa had too much medicine and he went to heaven to be with our mama.

The sheriff told us to gather our clothes that he was taking us to live with our Uncle Sven. Uncle Sven didn't have any children and told the sheriff to take us to the orphanage. He didn't want his brother's brats around him. He said his brother was a drunken fool who married a frail, sickly young thing and his offspring would turn out to be the same. The sheriff took us home with him that night and let us sleep in a big bed. He thought I was asleep but I heard him tell his wife that he was going to have to deliver us to the orphanage the next day. She said it was too bad we wouldn't be able to stay together.

I couldn't let Becky be alone without me. She would be so scared. After the sheriff and his wife went to sleep, I woke Becky up and we started walking toward town. Becky was very tired and we stopped near Mr. Poulson's dairy farm. We slept in the barn and then the next morning we climbed into the wagon Mr. Poulson was filling with milk bottles to deliver to the general stores in all the nearby towns. His last stop was Camden Corners and we got off the wagon here and hid in the bushes.

“We won't bother you anymore after tonight, Miss Caroline. I can't let my sister go to the orphanage by herself. We will be on our way tomorrow, I promise.”

Caroline's heart was breaking that this sweet child was going to take care of his sister.

“You and Becky will not be going to an orphanage. You can stay here in this house until we figure out what to do.”

Caroline knew what she was going to do but didn't want to make any promises until she talked it over with Oscar Crowley. Kenny started yawning. Caroline walked him upstairs and tucked him in next to his sister.

“He said his sister would be afraid if she woke up and he wasn't there.” Caroline said tearfully.

She was determined that these children would never know fear again. She and Lucinda said goodnight to Kenny and the sleeping Becky. Cassandra had fallen asleep at the foot of the bed and Lucinda carried her into her own bed.

The next morning, Jamison was surprised to find two little faces staring at him as he entered the kitchen.

“Who have we here?”

“My name is Kenny sir and this is my sister, Becky.”

Caroline pulled Jamison aside and told him what Kenny had told her the night before. Jamison had a worried look on his face and Caroline was afraid for a second that he was going to tell her she had to turn the children over to the authorities.

She was happy when he said “They can't be sent to an orphanage. How do you feel about a ready made family?”

Lucinda stayed with the children while Jamison drove the carriage to Portersville. They picked up Oscar Crowley on the way and because it was such a pretty day, Nettie came along for the ride. Oscar had known Judge Herman Blake for a long time. He knew he was an honest man and recommended they stop to see him as soon as they arrived in Portersville. The judge was interested in the matter. He mentioned that he knew there was a small house on the outskirts of town but had no idea two children lived in that house. Sheriff Billings is a fine old gentleman but his memory has been failing him recently. He sent his assistant to fetch the sheriff. When he arrived in the office, Judge Blake asked him about the children.

“I seem to remember a couple of small children coming to the house the other day. Yes, I don't know where they went though. They weren't there yesterday when the wife went to fetch them for breakfast. Maybe their uncle changed his mind and decided to take them in after all.”

The judge and his visitors rode out to talk with the children's Uncle Sven. He refused to open the door for them and told them if they bothered him again about those two rotten kids he'd greet them with his shotgun. Jamison had to hold Caroline back. He knew she was about to bop the old man on his head for saying such terrible things about those precious children.

The judge was having temporary custody papers drawn up. The adoption would be final in a couple of months. Caroline and Jamison were grateful to the judge for his help and would he mind doing them one more favor? Would he marry them that afternoon. Judge Blake said he would be delighted and with Oscar and Nettie as their witnesses, he pronounced them husband and wife.

The ride back home to Camden Corners was a joyous one. Oscar had packed a bottle of champagne in a satchel and they drank a toast to the happy couple.

“This has all happened so quickly I haven't even had a chance to tell Grace about finding Jamison again and now we are married with a brother and sister for her.”

“We will stop by the hardware store and pick her up on the way home.”

“This calls for a celebration!” said Nettie.

Grace was thrilled for her mother and had some news for her also. Not only was Caroline a new bride and a new mother, she was going to be a grandmother in just a few months.

Jamison and Caroline sat Kenny and Becky down on the sofa in the parlor while everyone was enjoying Caroline's lovely garden. Kenny couldn't believe his ears when he learned that he and Becky would be living with Mr. Jamison and Miss Caroline. He held Becky close and whispered that they would always be together now. Becky smiled and wrapped her arms around Caroline. Caroline wondered if life could get any better than this.

Timmy's Gift

 

It was three days before Christmas and four year old Timmy Hawthorne was eating his oatmeal at the kitchen table with his brothers and sisters. Papa had already left for the Hawthorne Garden Shop.

Lucas Hawthorne was a gardener. He loved plants and trees and anything that grew in the ground. The folks in Camden Corners often said he had a magic touch. Those who could afford his services were happy to have him take over their lawns and flower gardens in the summertime. He kept busy all year. He had a tree farm and grew poinsettias and holly bushes that he sold in his shop.

This was by far the busiest week in the year. Everyone wanted the perfect Christmas tree for their parlor. All of the shops along Main Street were decorated with holly and poinsettias from Lucas' shop. His wife, Laura was a big help to her husband with her skill at turning sprigs of holly into a beautiful wreath or garland.

Timmy was the youngest of the five Hawthorne children. Lucas, Jr. and Abraham were talented skiers and had been hired by the Camden Hill Ski Lodge as instructors during the winter months. April, who wanted to be a nurse when she grew up, was filling in as receptionist in Doctor Julie McMillan's office during her winter break. Penny loved everything Christmas and was helping Mr. & Mrs. Pringle in their shop for the day.

Timmy was slowly eating his oatmeal. He had a question he wanted to ask his mama and brothers and sisters. They were all talking at once and nobody was paying any attention to him when he reached for the sugar bowl knocking over his full glass of milk. The milk spilled all over the table and floor and in April's lap.

“Oh Timmy, look what you have done. Now I have to change my dress and I will be late for Doc McMillan's.”

Mama told April to hurry up and change and she would clean up the spilled milk. Lucas and Abe were on their way out the door when Timmy ran after them to ask them his question.

“Lucas wait up. Abe, I want to ask you something.”

“Can't talk to you now little buddy, we have to go”.

Penny was already on her way down the street.

“Hey Penny.”

She was singing Christmas carols and didn't hear her little brother calling her.

April came downstairs in a clean dress. Gave him a pat on the head and was out the door on her way to the Doc's.

“I'll ask Mama,” thought Timmy, “Mama isn't in a hurry.” But she was.

After she cleaned up the milk she started washing April's dress and then she had all the breakfast dishes to clean before she started making wreaths from the holly branches Papa brought home last night.

“Mama, I have a question to ask you.”

“What is it Timmy?”

“Well, I have a nickel and three pennies in my piggy bank and I want to buy a present for Jesus for His birthday but I don't know what He wants.”

“That's nice Timmy but Mama is very busy this morning. Let's get your snowsuit and mittens and boots on you so you can play outside for a little while.”

Timmy was all bundled up and went outside to play. He had his coins inside his mitten. He thought maybe he would walk to the Garden Shop to see Papa and ask him what he should buy for Jesus.

Papa was helping Mr. Greenly put a big tree in his truck.

“Hi Timmy what are you doing over here? Is Mama at Nichol's Market?”

Timmy said no but his Papa was busy with Mr. Greenly's tree and didn't hear him. Maybe he would come back later. He walked down the street to the bakery. Miss Diana was putting a plate of fresh baked cookies out on the porch.

“Hi Timmy, would you like a cookie? Is your Mama next door at the candy shop?”

“Thanks for the cookie Miss Diana. No, my Mama is not at Miss Maddie's. Can you tell me what to buy for Jesus for His birthday.”

Diana laughed and bent down to talk to Timmy when baby Joey started to cry. She went in the other room to pick up Joey and when she got back Timmy had disappeared.

Timmy kept walking to every shop on Main Street. Miss Maddie gave him a gumdrop but then a customer came in before she could answer Timmy's question.

Andy Parker at the post office stamped his hand with his post marker but then had to give Doc McMillan his mail.

Doc walked him out of the Post Office and just when Timmy was going to ask him his very important question, Miss Nettie Dawson slipped on a patch of ice and Doc ran over to help her up.

Timmy stopped at the fire station and petted the fire house dalmatian.

He saw Miss Emma decorating a Christmas tree outside of the antique shop. She handed him a piece of fudge but Lily needed her help with a wreath she was hanging and Emma had to go back into the shop before Timmy could ask his question.

His next stop was to visit Mr. & Mrs. Pringle at the Christmas shop. Mrs. Pringle was helping Annie Parker who was buying a nativity set. She also bought a small fire engine ornament. Timmy was watching as Mrs. Pringle carefully wrapped the baby Jesus and the fire truck. Mr. Pringle called out to Timmy and handed him a peppermint stick. Timmy knew just what to buy the baby Jesus for His birthday and ran to the toy store, his eight cents still in his mitten.

Timmy searched and searched the store and finally found a bright shiny fire engine. He reached into his mitten and brought out his eight cents.

“Is that enough for the fire truck Mr. Luke?” Timmy asked.

With a twinkle in his eye, Luke told him it was just the right amount for the 25 cent truck. Timmy beamed as Luke handed him his purchase.

“Merry Christmas,” Luke called out as Timmy walked out the door.

Timmy was getting a little tired but he was almost to his destination. He saw Carrie and Allison Parker outside of the Snowflake Christmas Shop waiting for their mother, Annie.

“Hi Timmy, where are you going?” asked Carrie.

“I'm on my way to see Jesus.”

When Annie came out of the shop, Allison who was barely 2 told her,

“Timmy wiff Jesus”.

Annie had a funny feeling when she heard that but she was so busy that morning, she dismissed it.

Timmy was almost to St. Peter's Church. He had walked by the water because he liked the sound of the waves splashing on shore. He took off his mitten so he could eat his peppermint stick. He dropped the mitten on the shore but he didn't notice because he was happily eating the peppermint stick and admiring the fire truck.

He was almost to the church where Mary and Joseph were looking over baby Jesus in the manger. The three wise men were standing around them. They had gifts for Jesus but not as special as the gift Timmy was giving Him.

The peppermint stick was very good but his hands were getting awfully sticky. He climb up on the rocks and into the manger and put the fire truck in baby Jesus' hand. He thought he saw Jesus smile but he could barely keep his eyes open any longer and fell sound to sleep next to Jesus in the manger.

Laura was so busy with the wreath, she didn't realize how long Timmy had been outside. She went to the front door and called his name.

“Where could he be?”

She ran back in the house and called for him but still no answer. She put on her coat and started out the front door she went to the garden shop first. Lucas said he came there earlier but he was so busy he didn't know where he went. They both walked down Main Street.

Diana said, “Yes, Timmy was here but she was busy with Joey and he left.”

Maddie said , “He was here but I was busy with a customer.”

All of the shop owners said they had seen him but they were all so busy they didn't pay that much attention to where he was going.

Penny and April both heard that Timmy couldn't be found, they joined in the search. Word had spread up the hill to the ski lodge and Lucas and Abe came into town as fast as they could.

Timmy's brothers and sisters remembered that they didn't have time for him that morning and now he was gone.

Eric Flanagan from the fish market found Timmy's mitten by the water. Everyone was on the verge of panic when Annie remembered the words Allison had muttered earlier something about Timmy being with Jesus.

“Carrie, did you see Timmy earlier?” Annie asked her daughter.

“Yes Mommy, he was going to see Jesus.”

Luke joined the concerned group and told them Timmy had been to his shop earlier and bought a fire truck.

The vicar remembered Timmy being very interested in the nativity scene that was being constructed at the church last week. Vicar was watching it being assembled when Timmy walked up with his sister Penny and looked on as the workers lay the baby Jesus in the manager. Vicar Will hopped on his bike and pedaled as fast as he could to the church.

Sure enough, there was Timmy sound to sleep in the manager. The vicar ran into the church and up the stairs to the tower and rang the bell until all the villagers came running. Everyone whooped and hollered that Timmy was alright.

He opened his eyes and looked around and saw that everyone was clapping and laughing. Mama had her arms around him and was crying.

“Why are you crying Mama? Jesus likes His birthday present. See He's holding it in His hand.”

It was true. The truck had gotten sticky from the peppermint and was stuck on baby Jesus' hand.

Everyone in town had been too busy to listen to a little boy that morning. They all knew, from that moment on they would never be too busy for the really important things again. Decorations and customers and chores could wait but little boys shouldn't have to.