Fairy, Fairy Quite Contrary

A friend of mine's son lost a tooth the second day of school, and Charlie did too. What’s with the start of school and teeth falling out? Charlie lost one the second day of school this year, and lost his first two last year the second week of school.

Anyway, we couldn't remember what the Tooth Fairy gave him for the other two teeth, being that it was a year a ago. I am pretty sure we got him a toy as well as money. So at dinner I wondered aloud “What did the Tooth Fairy leave for you last time?”

“A video game,” he replied. “But you only get a toy the first time, after that just money.”

"Huh, I said, how much money I wonder?”

Five dollars,” he quickly replied.

After the boys went to bed, I got the cleanest five-spot out of my purse and pressed it flat and crisp with the iron. I set it up high on the bookshelf to wait until he was in a deep sleep. Well, of course we forgot about it.

The next morning Mark was yelling at Charlie to hurry up. I started to make his bed (yes, I make their beds, it's a long story). When I realized we had forgotten the money, I gestured frantically to Mark, pointing at the pillow. He caught on, and ushered Charlie into the bathroom to brush his teeth, all the while Charlie saying "I don't even have my shirt on yet."

Mark dug in his money clip and pulled out a five dollar bill, not the one I had so diligently prepared, but a wrinkled old thing that I am sure is one transaction away from being shredded at the Department of Treasury.

Charlie did actually remember, and a few minutes later was delighted by his windfall, which he placed in his treasure box. As for five dollars, he should have aimed a little higher, I think.