It just hadn't been a very good week. On Tuesday, Sam's father lost his job. Then on Wednesday, Sam's mother got to know the cost of their apartment was going up. Now it was Friday, and Sam received an invitation from Rosa to her birthday party.
Sam knew Rosa from Adventure Club. He knew he would enjoy Rosa's party, but he didn't want to go without a gift. What could he possibly buy her with the little bit of money he had? Sam knew he couldn't ask Mom or Dad for any money—not this week!
Later that afternoon, Sam noticed a second-hand book sale going on. He went there and had a quick look. Two books caught his eye, The first was a cookbook of Puerto Rican foods, and the second was a book about women explorers. "Rosa would like these," Sam thought, "but would it be ashamed to give her second-hand books for her birthday?"
Sam decided that a second-hand gift was better than no gift at all. Besides, Rosa supported recycling in a big way. So, she would probably like it. With his last dollar, Sam bought the books and went home. He felt a little better.
The party was on Saturday. Rosa opened all her gifts and thanked everyone for the nice things they had given her. She paused when she opened Sam's gift, which made him wonder if she liked the books, but nothing was said.
When Sam got home, he opened his e-mail and found this note from Rosa.
Dear Sam,
Of all the gifts I received today, yours was the nicest. How did you know I would love a book about women explorers and a cookbook of Puerto Rican foods? Now I have something to read that will inspire me to follow my dream of becoming an adventurer, and I have a book that I can share with my grandmother. She is getting older and wants to be sure her granddaughter knows how to make the -wonderful foods of Puerto Rico. Thank you so much.
Love, Rosa.
The week turned out to be a good one after all.
