Page 55 - ThreeGiftsForFlipBook

“She would have you read all night if you let her,” Mary said. Tom laughed at that. He had read a lot of books before she had finally fallen asleep. “And Tom is going to take Timmy and me to the zoo on Saturday,” Emily said excitedly. “That is, if it’s all right with you,” Tom was quick to add. Mary stopped and turned to Tom. “That would be fine, but you really don’t have to.” Tom shrugged. “I would love to. Besides, my own little brothers and sisters have wanted to go and I’ve been ignoring them, but I think maybe I would enjoy the pandemonium.” Mary looked at Tom questioningly. “Enjoy the pandemonium?” “Happy noise,” Emily said. Tom laughed. “Yeah. Happy noise.” Mary just shook her head and smiled as they continued on their way. When they turned onto Mary’s street Tom got a strange feeling. He could smell the acrid smoke from the factories that was so strong he could almost taste the tar. The smoke hung so thick and low that the stars that were so bright and cheerful near the hospital were now blocked from view. As he looked at the rundown houses and apartment buildings, they 50