Allan's Happy Choice

Allan loved playtime at school. The warm Aussie sun made the playground sparkle, and he loved to build towering castles in the sandpit, always figuring out the best way to make them stand strong. He was a whiz at solving problems, whether it was fitting puzzle pieces together or making sure everyone got a turn on the swing. Today, though, he had a special jingle in his pocket: five shiny dollars his grandma had given him, just for him to spend!

He bounced the coins gently in his hand, making a little 'clink-clink-clink' sound. "What to buy?" he wondered aloud. He thought about the amazing bouncy balls at the school shop, the ones that could bounce super high, almost to the sky! Just then, his best friend, Mia, walked past, looking a little bit sad. "Oh, Allan," she sighed, "I really wanted a new sparkly pencil today, but I forgot my pocket money at home."

Allan’s problem-solving brain whirred into action. Five dollars could buy one super bouncy ball for him. Or... maybe one sparkly pencil for Mia? But then he wouldn't have enough for his bouncy ball. He looked at his money, then at Mia's sad face. He felt a little tug in his tummy, a small, worried flutter. He really, really wanted that bouncy ball, but Mia looked so disappointed.

Suddenly, Allan remembered how happy Mia had been when he’d helped her fix her wobbly toy koala just yesterday. A big smile spread across his face. He quickly thought about how much a sparkly pencil cost and how much was left for him. "Aha!" he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. He realised he could buy one sparkly pencil for Mia, and still have enough for a yummy icy pole for himself! He knew exactly what to do.

At lunch break, Allan walked to the school shop, his coins still jingling, but now with a happy rhythm. He bought Mia the most sparkly pencil he could find, and a frosty blue icy pole for himself. When he gave the pencil to Mia, her face lit up like a Christmas tree! "Thank you, Allan!" she squealed, giving him a big hug. Allan felt a warm, bubbly feeling inside. It was even better than the icy pole, knowing he had made his friend so happy. Sharing really was the best treat of all!