THE GIFT
“Mom, look!” Mindy pointed across the street. “Yes. I see it,” June stared at The Olde Book Shoppe. “That’s funny, I don’t remember seeing it when we came into town this morning.” “Can we go look … please?” “Sure, why not. We have time.” June looked at her watch, “The train doesn’t leave for another hour … let’s go.” She took Mindy’s hand, crossed Jackson Boulevard and walked up to the display window of The Olde Book Shoppe. “What beautiful old books. And look at those old toys.” “Mother, may we go in and look around?” Mindy surveyed the old toys in the display window. “Well, I suppose we can … but just for a few minutes, and we can’t buy anything. Please remember that.” “I will.” As they approached the shop door, it opened. The little bell above the door tinkled. “Oh, hello there,” came a surprised greeting from an elderly man. “Welcome, please come in and make yourself at home.” “Thank you. We were on our way to the train station and saw your beauti...