Unseen Passage for Class 4 - Passage 15

Reuben saw something in shop window that set his heart racing. But, the price of five dollars would buy almost a week's groceries for his family. Reuben could not ask his father for the money. Everything his father earned through fishing would be used by his mother to feed and clothe their five children. Both of his parents worked so hard for the family.

Reuben still opened the shop's weathered door. Standing proud and straight in his washed-out shirt, he told the shopkeeper what he wanted, adding, "Can you please hold it for me as I do not have the money right now?"

"I'll try," the shopkeeper smiled.

Reuben respectfully touched his worn cap and left. He would raise five dollars alone without telling anyone about his mission. Soon, he had an idea. People built their own homes using nails purchased in sacks from a local factory. Sometimes, the sacks were discarded and Reuben knew he could return them to the factory and sell them for five cents a piece. That day he found two sacks, which he took to the wooden factory and sold to the man in charge of packing nails. He dropped the coins inside a rusty tin.

All year long, despite chores at home, Reuben kept to his task. Often he was cold and hungry but he persevered. Finally, the time came. He clutched the tin and headed for the shop.

"I have the money," he told the owner. The man went to the window and retrieved Reuben's treasure. He wrapped it in brown paper and placed it in Reuben's hand.

Racing home, Reuben burst through the door. "Mum! Here!" yelled Reuben as he ran to his mother. He placed a small box in her work-roughened hand.

She unwrapped it carefully to save the paper. A blue-velvet jewel box appeared. She lifted the lid, tears beginning to blur her vision. In gold lettering was a brooch with the word 'Mother'. It was a present for Mother's Day. "You deserve this special gift, Mum," said Reuben.