Once upon a time there was a little girl named Mandy. She was healthy and strong, though if you asked her she probably wouldn't mention those things. She might be more inclined to point out the gap in her teeth, or how quickly she grew out of her pants because of getting taller.
One day her mother decided to try an experiment. Jill would say yes to every request her daughter made for an entire month, if it was at all possible. Just to see what happened.
The first morning opened innocently enough. Mandy asked for pancakes for breakfast, and although Jill felt pressed for time her mother smiled.
"Sure! Blueberries or raisins?" Mandy plopped into her chair and poured on extra maple syrup. While she was soaking up the last bits of sweetness she spoke.
"The girls in my class have really good lunches. They get hoagies and pizza. I wish I could have that instead of a sandwich." She took her plate to the sink. Her mother took a deep breath. It would be tight but she could squeeze it into her plans and drop it off at school.
"Ok. I will bring it to you. Now brush your teeth." Mandy ran upstairs, two at a time.
"Cool!"
Not precisely an expression of thanks, but it would do.
When her mom arrived at school she walked quickly through the halls to Mandy's classroom. Then Jill noticed the displays on the walls, and got lost in the bright self portraits. One had Mandy's crooked name on it. Jill had always hoped that her daughter would enjoy art, as she did. Mandy was just coming out of the bathroom when she saw her mother.
"Pizza! No breadsticks?" She grabbed the box and hurried back to class.
After the field hockey game they stopped at the store for supper makings. Mandy's mom put tomato sauce and garlic bread in the cart. Mandy held up a bag of cookies without actually saying anything.
"Ok," her mother said and they headed for the check out line.
Dinner was pleasant, with conversation about jobs and friends and plans for the weekend.
"Can we go to a movie?" Mandy asked. Her parents looked at each other.
"We can do that. I will order tickets."
to be continued...
