Page 18 - ThreeGiftsForFlipBook

their hours and left while Sam started trying to get to know Emily. “So, little lady, how long have you been coming here?” “Since not too long after my daddy left. When Daddy never came back we ran out of food, so Mommy brought us here. Now we stay here at night while she works. Maybe Daddy will come home for Christmas. Mommy says he might.” Sam pointed at the little boy in the playpen. “And so this is your little brother?” “Yes, his name is Timmy. Actually his real name is Timothy, but we call him Timmy because Momma says Timothy is a big name for such a little boy.” “I know a great basketball player whose name is Timothy,” Sam said. “Do you play basketball?” Emily asked. “When I can.” “Could you teach me?” Sam hesitated for just a minute, not quite sure what to say. “I suppose I could.” “How about Timmy?” “He’s a bit young.” “He could be the mascot,” Emily said. Sam smiled. “Yeah, I suppose he could.” “My daddy used to watch basketball,” Emily said. 13