The Extra Coin
Fifi buys a peppermint stick at the market, but when she counts her change, she finds an extra coin. Should she keep it or tell the truth?
Fifi stood at the market stall with Momo. 'One peppermint stick, please, ' she said. She paid two coins and got a twisty red-and-white stick.
Fifi counted the change in her palm. One, two... three? 'Momo, I paid two coins but I have three, ' she whispered. Momo tilted his head. 'What will you do?'
Fifi felt the extra coin. She wanted to keep it. But her heart felt wiggly. 'I will tell the truth, ' she said. She ran back to the stall, but a tall person was buying lots of taffy.
Fifi waited. She squeezed the coin until her hand was warm. Momo flicked his tail. Finally, the person left. Fifi took a deep breath. 'Excuse me, ' she said.
The shopkeeper looked down. 'You gave me too much change, ' Fifi said, holding out the coin. The shopkeeper's face broke into a surprised smile. 'Thank you for being so honest!'
Fifi and Momo walked home, sharing the peppermint stick. The sun made their shadows long. Fifi's heart felt light, like the little jingle that was supposed to be there.
This English moral short story was checked for clear language, age-appropriate content, and a lesson that follows naturally from the story.