|
It was Molly’s job to hand her father his brown paper lunch bag each morning before he headed off to work. One morning, in addition to his usual lunch bag, Molly handed him a second paper bag. This one was worn and held together with staples, and paper clips. “Why two bags? her father asked. “The other is something else, Molly answered. “What’s in it? “Just some stuff. Take it with you. Not wanting to discuss the matter, he stuffed both sacks into his briefcase, kissed Molly and rushed off. At midday he opened Molly’s bag and took out the contents: two hair ribbons, three small stones, a plastic dinosaur, a tiny sea shell, a small doll, and 13 pennies... The busy father smiled, finished eating, and swept the desk clean into the wastebasket, Molly’s stuff included. That evening, Molly ran up behind him as he read the paper. “Where’s my bag? “What bag? “The one I gave you this morning. “I left it at the office. Why? “I forgot to put this note in it, she said. “And, besides, Daddy, the things in the sack are the things I really like — I thought you might like to play with them. You didn’t lose the bag, did you, Daddy? “Oh, no, he said, lying. “I just forgot to bring it home. I’ll bring it tomorrow. While Molly hugged her father’s neck, he unfolded the note that read: “I love you, Daddy. | 
