The toy
My eyes gradually peel open, allowing the light between the gap in the curtains to flood my vision. I squint as my thoughts begin to gather - a jumbled residue of whatever I was dreaming about and the day ahead. Then, the feeling of euphoria floods over me: it’s today… the day… new toy day!
I throw aside my duvet as the fresh morning air hits me; it’s cold, but I don’t care. I dash downstairs, hitting the ground floor with a thud as I skip the bottom two steps, heading straight for the kitchen; I will need some fuel for the day. Cornflakes are quick and easy: throw some into the bowl and add a splash of milk. I would eat right out of the packet if I could get away with it!
I look up at the clock, the toy store will open soon, so with no time to clean the dishes I leave them on the side. Bolting towards the front door I realise that my excitement has got the better of me; I would look pretty stupid heading into town in my pyjamas! I dash back upstairs, this time skipping every other step to save those vital milliseconds. My clothes are in a pile on the floor, ready to go, wrinkled like a shrivelled prune, but no matter, they will straighten out after I have worn them for a while.
I daringly manage to leave out three steps this time running back down the stairs. I grab the cash I have saved, especially for this occasion, and head out of the door, slamming it shut behind me.
It seems like forever waiting for the town bus to arrive. The old man beside me is watching me indiscreetly as my foot taps impatiently, flashing a nervous smile as I stop and return his gaze. Thankfully, the arrival of the bus interrupts the awkwardness. As I take my seat, he shuffles past me and picks a seat at the other end of the bus, avoiding any further eye contact.
Time passes just as slowly on the bus. I stare out of the window to see children heading down the road on their bikes, possibly heading to the same toy shop, to buy the same toy. The bus better hurry up so that I get there first!
I'm up and ready, stood by the door as the bus pulls up at my stop. As I step out onto the pavement I can see it; the toy shop is only a hundred meters down the road. I set of in a light jog, but my patience gets the better of me and before long I am at full pace. I finally reach the shop, panting and gasping for air, only to find that the door is still locked, the closed sign hanging in the window, taunting me, as if whispering to me "You have to wait."
I pace up and down the length of the shop for a moment, then I see Mr Clarke, the elderly shopkeeper, looking out at me and smiling. He turns the sign to open and unlocks the door. Not wanting to seem desperate, I stand there for a brief moment before entering the shop, smiling back and greeting him.
"Morning Mr Clarke."
"Good morning young man. I think I know what you are after." he chuckles as he ushers me into the shop. He knows me too well of course, I'm a regular customer.
"Wait right there a minute and I will go and get it for you."
My eyes follow him as he walks over to the display shelf and lifts it down for me to see. I can only describe it as the most amazing toy I have ever seen. All the other toys in the shop pale into insignificance compared to this. They now seem like cheap plastic imitations, joyless and not worth a moment of my time. I raise my hand to touch it, but he cheerfully walks past me, resting it delicately on the counter.
"Now then sir." he winks knowingly. "Would you like this wrapped up for your son, or are you going to keep it for yourself?"
