The proud rooster

"I don't know what happened to the money either, Lizabeth, but you know I can't keep letting you and the boy stay on my property if you don't pay rent."

"I know that, Mr. Henry, but maybe the money \vill be here next week. If you could give me until..."

"Can't do that, Lizabeth. Ya already late and that means when you do pay me it's going to be such a large lump that you won't have nothing left for you and the boy to cat off of." Mr. Henry shook his head and spit into the can. 'I'm as sorry as I can be, Lizabeth, but I think you best make arrangements to move off my property as soon as possible."

For a long time his mother was silent, then she placed her hands to her breast and tilted her head. "Where we gonna go, Mr. Henry? We ain't got no more family around here. They all moved away. You know that, Mr. Henry."

"That ain't my problem, Lizabeth. I'm as sorry as I can be, but I can't let you stay on my land with just promises and no money. If word got out..." Mr. Henry lowered his eyes, wiped some spittle from the side of his mouth. "I'll give you time to write Roy and tell him and after you hear from him let me know how soon he can come and get you and the boy."

"But Mr. Henry.

. . Bobby said.

"You stay out of grown people's business, Bobby Lee Hamilton," she said. She looked back at Mr. Henry, hung her head and in a low voice said, "I'm afraid, Mr. Henry, I ain't got a dime to my name. I don't even have enough money to buy a stamp and envelope to send Roy a letter."

"You ain't got no money?"

"No sir, not even a dime." Mr. Henry hesitated and after a long time he reached into his pocket and handed her a dime.

Here, you take this to buy your stamp and envelope so you can write Roy today."

"You add this to our bill, Mr. Henry. As soon as Roy sends that money I'm gonna pay you every dime we owe you, including this one.

"I'm real sorry, Lizabeth," Mr. Henry said before they closed the door. Bobby was about to head for the post office, but his mother walked across the street.

"Momma, aren't you going to the post office?"

His mother didn't answer but continued across the street and Bobby had to run to catch up with her. They stopped in front of the Grocery Store and she smiled briefly before grabbing him by the shoulder. "I'm sorry the money didn't come, Bobby. And I'm sorry I can't get you all the things I promised you. But I did promise you a surprise and I'm going to get it for you. You stay here and I'll be right back."

She came out moments later with her hand filled with peppermint sticks. Bobby could smell them through the paper and his mouth watered to taste them. "Happy birthday, Bobby Lee," she said and patted him on the head

"There's ten of 'em, and smiled again. one for each year since you been born."

"Thanks a lot, Momma!" He didn't know how she knew, but peppermint sticks were his favorite treat. He ripped the wrapping off one and stuck it in his mouth as he followed behind her.