Page 54 - ThreeGiftsForFlipBook

up. “No, I don’t want to watch cartoons with you,” he said groggily. “Go back to bed.” As he again lay back against the chair it slid and dropped him with a bang to the floor. Tom sat up again, now wide awake, and stared into the face of a woman who was trying to muffle a laugh. “Are you all right?” she giggled. “Uh, yeah,” Tom said, rubbing his head. “I thought you were my little brothers and sisters.” Mary smiled. Then she turned to Emily. “Come on, Emily.” Tom stood up. “Here, let me carry her.” “But I live clear over on Ironwood Drive,” Mary said. “That’s okay,” Tom said kneeling down and helping her with her coat. Then he turned around. “Come on Emily, climb on.” Emily climbed on Tom’s back with delight and they started out into the cool night air. They had no sooner gone outside than Emily could no longer contain her excitement. “Momma, guess what. Tom read me eight books tonight.” “Oh, Emily,” Mary said, “you shouldn’t ask for so many.” Tom smiled. “It’s okay. I had fun doing it.” 49