Page 30 - Publishing Inspiration Christmas Card 2013

you want for only ten bucks,” she said. “Do you want me
to talk to him for you?”

“Well, that’s, uh, nice of you,” I replied, not
knowing if that was quite the correct response, “but I
think I will just keep this one.”
“Your loss.”

She stared at me curiously and intently, and it made
me feel somewhat uncomfortable, so I turned back to
work on my bike as I talked. “So, what’s your name?”
“Emily.”
“Where do you live?” I asked.
“423 Elm Street.”

I had to stifle my surprise. Elm Street was miles
away through a really rough part of the city.
“What brings you over here?” I asked.
“To be away from home,” she replied. “Last Friday,

school got out for the summer, and today my step-dad
told me to get out of the house, because he was ‘sick of
seeing my *#&@ ugly face.’”
In an instant, I knew much about this little girl. I
had come across many children like her before. Knowing

how far away she lived, I asked, “Aren’t you concerned
about getting home for lunch?”
“I’m not allowed home until dark,” she replied.
My heart ached for her as I considered what her
home life must be like. “Would you like to eat lunch with

me?” I asked. “It won’t be anything fancy, just peanut
butter and jelly sandwiches.”
She nodded vigorously, and I led her into the house.
My landlady was there, and I introduced Emily to her.
“I’m *#&@ glad to meet you,” Emily said.

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