Free Margaret & Taylor by Kevin Henkes

1
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THE INVITATION

    T aylor always waited for Barney, the mailman. Taylor usually didn’t get any mail, but he liked to sit and wait and think of all the things that might come.
    That particular day, there were three long envelopes, two fat envelopes and a small blue envelope.
    â€œNothing for you, Taylor,” said Barney, “except this one. It says ‘The Tippet Family.’ So at least part of it is for you.”
    It was the small blue envelope. And it smelled like perfume. Taylor sniffed the envelope and wondered what could be in it.
    â€œDid we get any mail?” asked his sister Margaret. “Let me see those,” she said, grabbing the envelopes. “This one smells pretty.”
    â€œMaybe there’s a flower inside,” said Taylor.
    â€œIt’s too flat,” said Margaret.
    â€œMaybe a skinny flower,” said Taylor. “Or a tiny one.”
    â€œNo, no, no,” said Margaret. “But why don’t you open it up? Then we’ll know for sure.”
    â€œShouldn’t we wait for Mother to get back from the store?” asked Taylor.

    â€œI don’t think so,” said Margaret. “The envelope says ‘The Tippet Family.’ And you’re part of this family.”
    â€œYou are too,” said Taylor, “so you should help.”
    â€œOkay, we’ll each do half,” said Margaret. “You can go first.”
    â€œWhy?” asked Taylor.
    â€œBecause,” said Margaret, “you saw it first. And you’re the one who really wants to find out what’s inside.”

    Taylor took the envelope from Margaret.
    â€œAre you sure I should do this?” he asked.
    â€œOf course,” said Margaret.
    Taylor started ripping the envelope. He did his half and looked at Margaret.
    â€œThere, now it’s your turn,” he said, handing her the envelope.
    â€œYou have to do a little more,” said Margaret.
    â€œAre you sure?” asked Taylor.
    â€œOf course,” said Margaret.
    Taylor opened the envelope a tiny bit more. He looked up at Margaret.
    â€œA little, little more,” she said.
    Through the window, Margaret saw Mother coming up the driveway.
    â€œKeep going,” she said to Taylor.
    When Mother came in, Margaret said, “Look at Taylor, he’s opening the mail.”
    Mother took the envelope and opened it all the way.
    â€œIt’s an invitation from Grandma,” said Mother. “She’s having a surprise party for Grandpa’s birthday.”
    â€œWhen?” asked Taylor. “What should we get Grandpa? Will we have a cake?”
    Before Mother could answer, Margaret said, “But, Mother, what about Taylor? He was opening the envelope.”
    Mother smiled. “Sometimes,” she said, “surprises just won’t wait.”

2
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THE PRESENT

    M argaret and Taylor were walking to the store. It was the day of Grandpa’s party and they needed a present.
    Margaret walked fast. Taylor walked slow. He collected leaves and counted the rocks.
    â€œHurry up!” said Margaret.
    â€œLet’s look for a present in the toy department,” said Margaret.
    â€œWould Grandpa want a toy?” asked Taylor.
    â€œOf course,” said Margaret. “And that way we’ll have something new to play with.”
    Margaret saw a stuffed elephant. It was in a box covered with cellophane. The box said SOFTEST TOY EVER!

    Margaret wanted to touch the elephant to make sure, so she punched her finger through the wrapping. Taylor wanted to try it, and just as he was about to, Margaret grabbed his hand.
    â€œNo,” she said. “Remember, we’re here to buy a present for Grandpa.”
    Margaret led Taylor to the furniture department.
    â€œGrandpa’s chairs are all too hard,” said Margaret. “I think he needs a soft one.”
    â€œDo we have enough money for a chair?” asked Taylor.
    Margaret didn’t answer. She was