My Son Bought a Red Dress for Our Neighbor’s Daughter

He grinned as I added one.

Then he asked Cyril if he could rake our leaves for money.

« You live here, » my husband reminded him.

« I know, Dad. »

Cyril looked at me.

« I respect the confidence. »

Soon Noah was knocking on Mrs. Reynolds’ door asking whether she needed leaves collected.

Then another neighbor.

He started keeping dollar bills in an old pencil case beneath his bed.

I assumed he was saving for a toy.