the lucky coin
Made by participants at the Ridgeway Summer Festival
|
Lucas's birthday was off to a rough start, and it seemed luck was not on his side. Not only were his friends occupied, but he also misplaced his cherished lucky coin. However, little did Lucas know that a cascade of fortunate events was about to unfold, leading him on an extraordinary journey toward the best birthday he could ever imagine. This heartwarming tale was the collaborative effort of nearly a hundred individuals at the 2017 Ridgeway Summer Festival. Join Lucas as he navigates through serendipitous encounters and unexpected twists, and discover how the power of positivity and a touch of magic can transform a seemingly ordinary day into an unforgettable celebration.
|
On the morning of his birthday, Lucas awoke with a sense of joy and excitement. Hurriedly, he left his sleeper behind and donned a fresh outfit from his dresser. In the drawer, he retrieved his cherished lucky coin, a gift from his father years ago, which he treasured and carried with him always. Placing the coin in his chest pocket, he fastened his shirt and smiled at his reflection in the mirror, thinking to himself, "Today will be a fantastic day!" Eager to enjoy the splendid breakfasts his parents prepared for him on this special occasion, Lucas rushed downstairs.
As he entered the kitchen, Lucas spotted his father stacking pancakes on a plate, while his mother was getting ready for work.
Both parents greeted him with warm hugs and affectionate kisses.
"Mom, aren't you joining me for breakfast today?" Lucas inquired.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart. Unfortunately, I have to work today, but we'll celebrate once I'm off later," his mother replied.
"Alright, Mom. I love you," Lucas said, planting a kiss on her cheek before she departed.
Turning to his father, Lucas asked with anticipation, "Dad, what plans do we have for today?
I'm sure you've prepared something exciting."
"Actually, son, I have a lot of tasks to take care of at home, so we won't have any activities until your mom finishes work later.
Perhaps you could check with one of your friends to see if they're available?" his father suggested.
"That sounds like a great idea," Lucas replied, his enthusiasm undeterred. Together, they savoured their breakfast.
After clearing his plate, Lucas picked up the phone and began calling his friends. However, one after another, he discovered they were all occupied—George was out of town, Drea had a family reunion, Jordan was volunteering, Timmy had a doctor's appointment, and Elizabeth was at the movies. It seemed that everyone was busy on his special day.
Feeling disappointed but determined to make the most of his birthday, Lucas decided to go for a walk.
He assured his dad that he would be fine on his own and set off to find his own adventure in the city.
As he strolled along, Lucas found himself outside a pet shop where a friendly man named Scott approached him.
"Hello there, young one. How are you today?" Scott greeted him.
"Not so good. It's my birthday, but I don't feel like it's really my birthday," Lucas confessed.
"Well, happy birthday to you! Would you like to come inside and see the animals? Perhaps that will lift your spirits," Scott offered.
"Yes, I'd like that. Thank you very much," Lucas accepted gratefully.
Entering the pet shop, Lucas marvelled at the variety of creatures—fish, birds, lizards, rats, and more.
Instantly, he was captivated by the Savannah Monitor and felt an immediate connection.
"Would you like this keychain as a birthday gift?" Scott asked.
"Can I have the lizard instead?" Lucas asked, pointing at the Savannah Monitor.
"That's a Savannah Monitor, and they can't simply be owned as pets. They require a proper home and care.
However, he's for sale, so if your parents purchase him for you, he could be yours," Scott explained.
"I have this! Could you trade it for him?" Lucas eagerly presented his lucky coin to Scott.
"This is a lovely coin, but I can't accept it. It holds sentimental value and isn't legal tender.
I'm sorry, but you'll have to ask your parents," Scott replied.
"That's what I'll do!" Lucas exclaimed, rushing home to share his birthday wish with his dad.
Breathless, he arrived at the front door, knocking loudly until his father opened it, concerned.
"What's wrong, Lucas?" his dad inquired, joining him outside.
"I know what I want for my birthday, Dad," Lucas replied.
"What is it?" his father asked curiously.
"It only costs a hundred dollars, Daddy," Lucas shared.
"Hold on, son. Let me check my finances," his dad said, reaching for his phone to contact the bank.
After a brief conversation, he turned to Lucas and said, "I almost have enough, buddy, but you'll have to contribute the rest."
"I'll check my piggy bank and add to what you have, Daddy," Lucas offered.
"No, son, I have a better idea. Why not set up a lemonade stand?
You can use that table over there and earn some extra money," his dad suggested.
"That's a great idea, Dad. Can you help me set it up quickly?" Lucas requested.
"Of course," his dad agreed, and they promptly set up the lemonade stand by the roadside.
However, as time passed, no customers arrived, and Lucas grew bored. Eventually, he fell asleep.
When he woke up, he discovered that all his lemonade was gone, replaced by an envelope with his name on it.
Eagerly, he opened it and found cash and a card expressing gratitude for the lemonade.
Lucas couldn't contain his excitement, realizing that the amount in the envelope was exactly what he needed to purchase his desired pet. As he went to put the money in his pocket, he realized his lucky coin was missing, and he had misplaced it somewhere.
In a hurry, Lucas rushed back to the pet store, hoping to secure the Savannah Monitor.
However, Scott was nowhere to be found. He approached a lady working there instead.
"Excuse me, do you know where Scott is?" Lucas asked.
"Scott is currently out doing fieldwork. Can I assist you with something?" the lady replied.
"I would like to buy the Savannah Monitor, please. I'm going to name him Jello," Lucas requested, his hope dwindling.
"I'm sorry, but he was recently sold. However, may I interest you in an Iguana or a Bearded Dragon?" the lady offered.
"No, thank you. I only wanted him," Lucas responded, his disappointment mounting as he left the store.
It seemed like his birthday was turning into a series of letdowns.
Not only were his friends busy, but he had also lost his lucky coin, leaving him feeling like the unluckiest kid in the world.
As he walked, Lucas imagined all the fantastic adventures he and the Savannah Monitor could have had together.
From playing hide and seek to riding the lizard, his mind spun tales of grandeur. Lost in his thoughts, he found solace as he sat down on his favourite bench in the small town of Bridgeway, nestled near Lake Clearie. Lucas knew that whenever he faced a problem he couldn't solve, his favourite superhero, Dent Strong, would swoop in to save the day.
In his mind, Dent Strong became the epitome of bravery and a symbol of hope.
Returning to reality, Lucas reached his house and hesitated at the front door.
He pondered how to tell his dad about losing the lucky coin.
Eventually, he decided to keep it to himself and share the story of the lemonade stand and the pet store instead.
Upon entering the house, Lucas was met with silence. "Dad? Mom? Anyone home?" he called out, receiving no response.
Curiosity led him to the living room.
As he opened the door, darkness enveloped the room, with closed curtains and no light.
Switching on the lights, Lucas was met with a resounding "SURPRISE!" Everyone had been hiding, and the shock was so intense that Lucas let out a hilarious screech, which caused laughter and celebration to fill the room.
"I thought you had to work, Mom?" Lucas questioned, still processing the surprise.
"I only said that to throw you off, so you wouldn't ask where I was going. It was my job to gather your friends and pick up the cake, while your father kept you busy and organized this surprise. We got you good, didn't we?" his mom explained.
"Yes, you guys definitely did," Lucas replied, embraced by the hugs and well wishes from Drea, Jordan, and George.
"Brandon and Adam have started a game of 'pin the tail on the donkey.' Come join us!" Jordan invited him.
Lucas agreed, and they all rushed to play.
The games were followed by cake and, finally, the time for presents arrived. Lucas had one more gift left, and it was from his parents.
Removing the blindfold, Lucas laid his eyes on the Savannah Monitor in a cage. He couldn't believe his eyes, wondering how his parents had managed to acquire it. Overwhelmed with joy, he exclaimed, "How did you know I wanted this? I have something to tell you, though. I lost my lucky coin."
"Do you mean this coin?" Scott's voice suddenly emerged from behind him. Scott, the pet store owner, stood in the doorway, holding the familiar coin. "You left this at the store, and I recognized you from the neighbourhood. I came to talk to your dad, and we devised this plan. Sometimes, luck finds its way back to you, young lad. Happy birthday, Lucas."
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lucas reached out and caught the coin in his hands. He looked at it, then gazed at his loving family and friends surrounding him. A profound realization washed over him as he thought,
"This coin truly must be lucky because I am the luckiest boy in the whole world."
With this he smiled and realized this was the best birthday he's ever had and enjoyed his party.
To be Continued... One Day... Maybe.
As he entered the kitchen, Lucas spotted his father stacking pancakes on a plate, while his mother was getting ready for work.
Both parents greeted him with warm hugs and affectionate kisses.
"Mom, aren't you joining me for breakfast today?" Lucas inquired.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart. Unfortunately, I have to work today, but we'll celebrate once I'm off later," his mother replied.
"Alright, Mom. I love you," Lucas said, planting a kiss on her cheek before she departed.
Turning to his father, Lucas asked with anticipation, "Dad, what plans do we have for today?
I'm sure you've prepared something exciting."
"Actually, son, I have a lot of tasks to take care of at home, so we won't have any activities until your mom finishes work later.
Perhaps you could check with one of your friends to see if they're available?" his father suggested.
"That sounds like a great idea," Lucas replied, his enthusiasm undeterred. Together, they savoured their breakfast.
After clearing his plate, Lucas picked up the phone and began calling his friends. However, one after another, he discovered they were all occupied—George was out of town, Drea had a family reunion, Jordan was volunteering, Timmy had a doctor's appointment, and Elizabeth was at the movies. It seemed that everyone was busy on his special day.
Feeling disappointed but determined to make the most of his birthday, Lucas decided to go for a walk.
He assured his dad that he would be fine on his own and set off to find his own adventure in the city.
As he strolled along, Lucas found himself outside a pet shop where a friendly man named Scott approached him.
"Hello there, young one. How are you today?" Scott greeted him.
"Not so good. It's my birthday, but I don't feel like it's really my birthday," Lucas confessed.
"Well, happy birthday to you! Would you like to come inside and see the animals? Perhaps that will lift your spirits," Scott offered.
"Yes, I'd like that. Thank you very much," Lucas accepted gratefully.
Entering the pet shop, Lucas marvelled at the variety of creatures—fish, birds, lizards, rats, and more.
Instantly, he was captivated by the Savannah Monitor and felt an immediate connection.
"Would you like this keychain as a birthday gift?" Scott asked.
"Can I have the lizard instead?" Lucas asked, pointing at the Savannah Monitor.
"That's a Savannah Monitor, and they can't simply be owned as pets. They require a proper home and care.
However, he's for sale, so if your parents purchase him for you, he could be yours," Scott explained.
"I have this! Could you trade it for him?" Lucas eagerly presented his lucky coin to Scott.
"This is a lovely coin, but I can't accept it. It holds sentimental value and isn't legal tender.
I'm sorry, but you'll have to ask your parents," Scott replied.
"That's what I'll do!" Lucas exclaimed, rushing home to share his birthday wish with his dad.
Breathless, he arrived at the front door, knocking loudly until his father opened it, concerned.
"What's wrong, Lucas?" his dad inquired, joining him outside.
"I know what I want for my birthday, Dad," Lucas replied.
"What is it?" his father asked curiously.
"It only costs a hundred dollars, Daddy," Lucas shared.
"Hold on, son. Let me check my finances," his dad said, reaching for his phone to contact the bank.
After a brief conversation, he turned to Lucas and said, "I almost have enough, buddy, but you'll have to contribute the rest."
"I'll check my piggy bank and add to what you have, Daddy," Lucas offered.
"No, son, I have a better idea. Why not set up a lemonade stand?
You can use that table over there and earn some extra money," his dad suggested.
"That's a great idea, Dad. Can you help me set it up quickly?" Lucas requested.
"Of course," his dad agreed, and they promptly set up the lemonade stand by the roadside.
However, as time passed, no customers arrived, and Lucas grew bored. Eventually, he fell asleep.
When he woke up, he discovered that all his lemonade was gone, replaced by an envelope with his name on it.
Eagerly, he opened it and found cash and a card expressing gratitude for the lemonade.
Lucas couldn't contain his excitement, realizing that the amount in the envelope was exactly what he needed to purchase his desired pet. As he went to put the money in his pocket, he realized his lucky coin was missing, and he had misplaced it somewhere.
In a hurry, Lucas rushed back to the pet store, hoping to secure the Savannah Monitor.
However, Scott was nowhere to be found. He approached a lady working there instead.
"Excuse me, do you know where Scott is?" Lucas asked.
"Scott is currently out doing fieldwork. Can I assist you with something?" the lady replied.
"I would like to buy the Savannah Monitor, please. I'm going to name him Jello," Lucas requested, his hope dwindling.
"I'm sorry, but he was recently sold. However, may I interest you in an Iguana or a Bearded Dragon?" the lady offered.
"No, thank you. I only wanted him," Lucas responded, his disappointment mounting as he left the store.
It seemed like his birthday was turning into a series of letdowns.
Not only were his friends busy, but he had also lost his lucky coin, leaving him feeling like the unluckiest kid in the world.
As he walked, Lucas imagined all the fantastic adventures he and the Savannah Monitor could have had together.
From playing hide and seek to riding the lizard, his mind spun tales of grandeur. Lost in his thoughts, he found solace as he sat down on his favourite bench in the small town of Bridgeway, nestled near Lake Clearie. Lucas knew that whenever he faced a problem he couldn't solve, his favourite superhero, Dent Strong, would swoop in to save the day.
In his mind, Dent Strong became the epitome of bravery and a symbol of hope.
Returning to reality, Lucas reached his house and hesitated at the front door.
He pondered how to tell his dad about losing the lucky coin.
Eventually, he decided to keep it to himself and share the story of the lemonade stand and the pet store instead.
Upon entering the house, Lucas was met with silence. "Dad? Mom? Anyone home?" he called out, receiving no response.
Curiosity led him to the living room.
As he opened the door, darkness enveloped the room, with closed curtains and no light.
Switching on the lights, Lucas was met with a resounding "SURPRISE!" Everyone had been hiding, and the shock was so intense that Lucas let out a hilarious screech, which caused laughter and celebration to fill the room.
"I thought you had to work, Mom?" Lucas questioned, still processing the surprise.
"I only said that to throw you off, so you wouldn't ask where I was going. It was my job to gather your friends and pick up the cake, while your father kept you busy and organized this surprise. We got you good, didn't we?" his mom explained.
"Yes, you guys definitely did," Lucas replied, embraced by the hugs and well wishes from Drea, Jordan, and George.
"Brandon and Adam have started a game of 'pin the tail on the donkey.' Come join us!" Jordan invited him.
Lucas agreed, and they all rushed to play.
The games were followed by cake and, finally, the time for presents arrived. Lucas had one more gift left, and it was from his parents.
Removing the blindfold, Lucas laid his eyes on the Savannah Monitor in a cage. He couldn't believe his eyes, wondering how his parents had managed to acquire it. Overwhelmed with joy, he exclaimed, "How did you know I wanted this? I have something to tell you, though. I lost my lucky coin."
"Do you mean this coin?" Scott's voice suddenly emerged from behind him. Scott, the pet store owner, stood in the doorway, holding the familiar coin. "You left this at the store, and I recognized you from the neighbourhood. I came to talk to your dad, and we devised this plan. Sometimes, luck finds its way back to you, young lad. Happy birthday, Lucas."
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lucas reached out and caught the coin in his hands. He looked at it, then gazed at his loving family and friends surrounding him. A profound realization washed over him as he thought,
"This coin truly must be lucky because I am the luckiest boy in the whole world."
With this he smiled and realized this was the best birthday he's ever had and enjoyed his party.
To be Continued... One Day... Maybe.
