Shanti wanted the wooden doll in Ramu’s toy shop. “The one with the red dress.” she told her best friend, Jodi.

“How will you afford it?” Jodi asked

Shanti smiled. “I asked my mom if I could make jasmine garlands (茉莉花环) and sell them at my aunts market stall(摊位). Want to do that，too?” “Good idea!” said Jodi.

Early the next morning, the girls met at the jasmine bushes outside of Shanti’s house. They picked the flowers, dropped them into a basket and then sat under a tree knotting( 捆 扎 )the flowers into garlands. Shanti could already see herself hugging that beautiful doll.

“If we sell enough garlands, we can each get a doll,” said Shanti

Jodi shook her head. “My family is low on money this week. I'll use my money to pay for Kiran’s medicine.” Kiran was Jodis little brother. “Is he sick?” Shanti asked. “He is. But when he gets his medicine, he’ll be fine.” Jodi picked up her garlands. “My mother is expecting me. I’ll meet you at the market.”

Shanti spent the afternoon selling garlands at her aunts market stall. But where was Jodi? By early evening Shanti had sold all her flowers.

Shanti was on her way home when she saw Jodi heading to the market with her garlands. “Why are you so late?” Shanti asked.

“I had to watch Kiran while my mother did her work,” Jodi said “Why didn’t you take him with you?” Shanti said.

Jodi shook her head. “He’s too sick to go out. He coughs and coughs.”

Shanti knew Jodi wouldn’t make enough money for the medicine now. The market would be closing soon.

Shanti looked at the money in her hand. It was supposed to be for the beautiful doll she’d   been dreaming of for so long. Then she looked at her friend’s tired face. “Here. Keep this for the medicine.” Shanti put her money into Jodi’s hands.

That night, Shanti cried, thinking about the doll. What if someone bought it before she’d saved up enough again?

The next week, while Shanti   and Jodi gathered flowers, Kiran came, too.

Unfortunately, Ramu told Shanti someone had bought the doll.   

Cornelia was admitted to Class I. But soon Mom discovered most children did not like to play with her daughter. They said she bossed them around and made them cry.

Everyone in her class admitted Cornelia was very intelligent. But she had no friends until Daisy joined her class. New to the city and too shy to make any friends, she did not mind being taken under Cornelia's wing. At least she had someone to play with.

One day, the teacher punished Daisy for doing her sums without thinking. The little girl cried because the whole class had laughed at her. Cornelia told Mom about Daisy crying in class "Why don't you try to explain to her simply?" asked Mom.

"Mummy, I don't have time to waste." protested Cornelia. At this, Mom decided to tell Cornelia a story. "One day an ant fell into a stream and was struggling to save herself. A pigeon sitting on a tree pulled a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to the ant. The ant climbed onto it and floated safely to the bank. A little later, a bird-catcher came, preparing to throw a net over the pigeon. The ant saw this and bit him in the foot. The bird-catcher yelled out in pain, whose noise made the pigeon fly away. You see, a good turn deserves another."

Something flashed in Cornelia's mind and touched her heart. She knew what to do next. And soon afterwards, Daisy understood the sums and was praised by the teacher.

One day, Cornelia made a serious mistake and as a punishment, she had to stay back for two hours after school and pick up the waste paper from each classroom.

At the far end of town, next to a dark forest, sat an old white house. It looked like a Spook House from a story, which might sound interesting if it weren’t where I lived with my mom and little brother, Andy.

The house wasn’t so horrible, but the outside might make you think twice about entering. Peeling (脱落的) paint revealed black images underneath that looked like bats. And weeds and long grass wrapped the house.

When Mom rented it, I thought she was crazy. “Are you kidding, Mom? You really want to live in this place? It’s ugly.” Mom looked hurt, and I regretted my words. I knew she was doing the best she could. Obviously, this house wouldn’t be her first choice if money were no object.

Mom cleaned every room and painted the inside. I must admit the fresh paint made a difference. “Can I paint the outside?” I asked her. “I’ll ask Mr. Dudley to paint it,” Mom replied.

Our landlord, Mr. Dudley agreed, but he always had thousands of excuses. Mom didn’t seem concerned. She was busy planning for my grandma to live with us. Having my grandma watch Andy while Mom worked would save on daycare expenses.

One morning I told my grandma that I was joining a history study group at Justine’s house after school and would be late getting home. “Just be home before dark,” she said.

That afternoon I walked with a girl and a boy to Justine’s house—a big, beautiful house with columns. The inside was furnished like a decorator magazine, with elegant furniture.

“I love your house, Justine,” I said, trying not to scream. She smiled, “Thanks. You’ll have to come over again.” I was delighted and surprised that Justine wanted me to come back. I would definitely take her up on her offer. I just couldn’t invite her to my house. No way did I want anyone to see my house.

When the sun was near setting, Justine’s mom said she would drive us home.

The following week, we started the paint job.