Alice June 3 Grade Third Row
Alice June turned nine. Mrs. Colman had saved for months to order the locket for her daughter. Yes, times were hard. Life would always be a struggle. But why not kick against the goads. Who cares ten years from now? Alice June would have her locket, and somehow, they would survive.
The cake was baking. It had cost a pretty penny to buy a box of food dye. Mr. Colman barely looked up between his coffee and his newspaper. Did you get her present yet? I got it two days ago, daddy. Thanks, I know you worked extra for it. Just wait and see if she will give you the hugs. We must live a little mama.
Alice June has two parents and three brothers and is the youngest and only girl. The Coleman’s had endured much to get to a town where the children could have advantages in such an uncertain time.
Losing our parents to that awful flu epidemic was a good teacher. Love and appreciate what is before you before it is too far behind you to grab. Our children will know they are loved.
Alice June bounded in the door from school. The smell of cake baking was in the air. It would be soup again for dinner, but cake for desserts. Alice scanned the room, hoping to see a wrapped gift. When she saw nothing, a pang of disappointment crossed her face. Alice knew it had cost extra for food coloring. That would be gift enough. No doll today. Alice June would not mention toys. The sadness that crossed her daddy’s face when the boys asked for things he could not provide was enough to bear.
The boys ran in, slamming the screen door, causing mama to scold, do not dare make my cake fall. No one wants to eat a lopsided cake. Alice June chuckled at the thought. She knew the boys would gobble up a lopsided cake and a perfect one. To them, the cake was cake.
Daddy was sentimental when it came to a family event. Alice set the table, daddy and the boys came in, and dinner started. When mom brought the cake, the boys grabbed plates and stuck them out. Not so quickly, boys. Daddy got his camera and took our picture. Mama left the room and returned with a shiny little silver box.
Alice June, this is from daddy and me. Always remember you are the other half of our heart. Alice opened the box, and the necklace was two strands of silver with an interlocking core. Alice was stunned, silent. Alice’s mother took it out of the container and picked up the two chains in one. She put one around her daughter’s neck and the other around hers. The one heart was two halves put together.
Alice June, no matter what life throws our way, we can overcome it together. Alice danced around the room in front of her mirror, her first piece of jewelry. Alice June could not wait to show her friends the beautiful necklace, especially Cindy. Alice would never take it off. Alice could not believe the money her parents gave up for her to have something lovely.
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