I’m going to the cinema, I said, hoping that would open the gates of Sesame.
This is a tollbooth, one of them said, you’ll need to pay in order to pass.
Nuh-uh, I said firmly. I have just enough money to buy a ticket.
Do the math, kid. There are three of us and you are alone. We could strip you and send you home naked … or tie you to a tree and leave you there for the night. Is that what you want?
In hindsight it sounded fan-tas-tic, but I was still a bit young for that, so I shook my head.
Alright then, give me the money.
I protested vigorously as they closed upon me. They were older, faster, stronger, so what could I do? Tears welled up in my eyes as I gave in and handed over the money.
Here, She said, I give you 50 cents to buy an ice scream.
She stepped aside so I could pass.
It’s not fair, I sobbed.
Hey kiddo.
I turned around.
You will remember this for the rest of your life. Trust Me, that’s worth more than a cinema ticket.
Turned out She was right.
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