The far off drone of a metallic yet slightly out of tune "I'm a Little Teapot" rings through the oppressive mid summer haze. My brother and I play tug-o-war with the dollar bill mummy had given us. Jumping and waving as if we were anticipating the arrival of Michael Jackson, our excitment brewed like a witch's cauldren, as the truck came into sight.
Elbows were thrown and thoughtless words were exchanged as the white frozen palace on wheels screetches to a halt in front of the Gould's house. We became moths to a flame as the pictures on the side of the truck roped us into a hypnosis. I never wavered with my my choice, "Toasted Almond Bar and one Bazooka please", I readily blurt out to the young man behind the overhanging counter. "Yes M'am", he retorts with a wink and a flash of his pearly whites. He disappears into the abyss of frozen delights and momentarily returns with my desire. "The piece of Bazooka's on me pretty lady", he says. The dollar is offered up as a sacrifice for my little piece of heaven. Two quarters are returned in its place. Without haste the quarters are snatched from my grip. Wesley takes over the group and excalims with gusto, "I want a Pac Man pop!", slamming the 50 cents on the counter above. The frenzied children grow restless as the man in the frozen white palace hurries to appease. Placed in the clutches of the budding 9 year old boy, the pop drips to no avail as my brother attempts to lap it all up.
With our prizes in hand, we walk back toward the house content with our purchases. My mother standing in the doorway with arms folded inquires, "How are they?" With cheshire cat smiles from ear to ear, the only thing we could muster up was "mmmmmmmm". Sometimes smiles speak louder than words.
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Published by Meggs: 7:06 PM
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