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Home › Articles › Fiction/Opinion/Essays/Humor › Gramma's Game

Gramma's Game

By Donna Smith

Pages:  1  2  3  

"That letter's for you," said Mom.
"For me?" Allie picked up the green and pink envelope lying on the table. "It's from Gramma." She carefully opened it. She pulled out a sheet of matching stationary. A shiny quarter taped to the top corner caught her eye. Allie read the letter out loud.

Gramma's Game is about to begin,
save the coins from start to end.
At the end, you'll know what to do,
to bring a smile to you-know-who!
Love, Gramma

"This sounds interesting," said Mom.
Allie grinned. "It sure does."
"You better hurry and change, Allie," said Mom. "We have to leave soon for swim practice, then you have your gymnastics class." Allie went into her room and put the quarter under her pillow. She quickly changed into her bathing suit. "I wonder what Gramma wants me to do," she thought. Allie put the letter in her desk drawer. It was time to leave for practice; she would have to think about it later.

The next day, another envelope arrived. Allie quickly opened it. Taped to the top of this letter was a nickel. Allie read the clue.

Fill it with wishes, dreams, and hopes,
or just little riddles and funny jokes.
Fill it with love and smiles galore,
but once I get one, I'll want lots more!
Love, Gramma

Fill what? You fill a piggy bank with coins. "Why would Gramma want a piggy bank?" Allie placed the nickel under her pillow next to the quarter. A quarter and a nickel equals .30 cents. A new bank would cost a lot more than that, she thought.

"I don't have time to think about it now," she said. "I have to walk Mrs. Smith's dogs today." Allie walked Mrs. Smith's two poodles every Friday. Allie was a very busy girl.

The next morning, Allie dressed in a hurry. On Saturdays, Allie washed her parents' cars. If she did a good job, they bought her a new book. She had just started rinsing the soap off when Webster, the mailman, drove up to the mailbox.

"I've got another letter for you, Allie," he said. "You've been very popular the last few days." Allie smiled. "They're from my Gramma in St. Louis." Webster handed her the envelope. Allie opened the letter; taped to the top was a penny.

People have done it for years and years.
Some have brought laughter, some have brought tears.
Some start out white, and turn yellow with time,
Gramma loves you, but I'm not good at rhyme!
Love, Gramma

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