Babbler Excerpt No. 10

"I bought you your birthday present, Dad"
Reprinted courtesy of The Beemer Babbler

Earl sets aside his study guide, shuts off the associated cassette tape of Spaniards speaking Spanish, and removes the headphones of his Sony Walkman. He's been in the parenting game long enough to discern the opening line of a meaningful conversation.

"And I spent my ten dollars, too," six-year-old Daniel adds, before El Gordo (The Fat One) can reply.

Remembering his son's first, and only, ten-dollar bill, El Feo (The Ugly One) finds this news dismaying. "Oh, Daniel, you shouldn't have spent so much!"

"I got five one-dollars back."

"Ah, that's good—"

"And some coins."

"Well, then I—"

"And I bought something for myself, too."

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