Page 12 - Publishing Inspiration Christmas Card 2022

cupcakes. Mary gratefully accepted and then busied herself calling
other mothers to bring different items. Soon, the list was all filled
out, and the day was quickly approaching.
Mary didn’t know why she grew concerned about Sally’s
food donation. Maybe it was because the episode of the football
fundraising was still fresh on her mind. Sally didn’t understand
football and had come up with the idea that if they could raise
enough money, they could buy more footballs so the two teams
wouldn’t have to fight over the same one.
Mary knew the cupcakes were critical to a good baked food
sale, and as her concern grew, she decided to make some as a
backup. She would just leave them in her car where they could be
retrieved if they were needed.
The day of the fundraiser soon came. The mothers were
asked to have their items there a half hour early so they could be set
out for display. All were there on time except for Sally’s. It was
almost time to open the sale when she finally showed up. The
cupcakes were beautiful, and Mary laughed at herself for doubting
her friend.
“I’m so sorry these are late,” Sally said, all out of breath.
“Fluffers, our dog, licked all the frosting off of them, so I had to
refrost them.”
“Fluffers licked the frosting off of them?” Mary asked, trying
not to gag.
Sally nodded. “And then he got sick as usual and threw up.
You’d think he’d learn his lesson as often as he’s done it.”
“How often has he done it?” Mary asked.
“I think about every time I’ve made cupcakes,” Sally said.
“He just can’t seem to control himself.” Then Sally laughed. “It’s a
good thing I like to decorate cupcakes.”
As Sally continued talking, it was all Mary could do not to
gag as she thought about how many of Sally’s cupcakes she had
eaten. But somehow, when Sally finished, Mary still managed a
weak smile and a thank you. Then, after Sally left, Mary dumped all
the cupcakes into the garbage and retrieved the ones she made.
But she considered that she might never eat another cupcake
again for as long as she lived.

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