Kenji's Lemonade Stand

Kenji's Lemonade Stand

1Kenji wanted a new soccer ball more than anything. His old ball was flat and patched with tape. The new one cost more than he had saved, so he decided to sell lemonade on the corner. All morning he squeezed lemons and stirred the pitcher until his arms ached.

2By noon, a line of thirsty neighbors had formed. Kenji felt proud as the coins clinked in his jar. Then he noticed Mr. Okafor, who lived down the street, standing at the back of the line. Mr. Okafor kept patting his pockets and frowning. "I left my wallet at home," he said quietly.

3Kenji hesitated. Every cup he sold was one more coin toward the ball. But Mr. Okafor looked hot and tired. Kenji poured a big cup of lemonade and held it out. "Please, take it," he said. "You don't have to pay."

4Mr. Okafor smiled and drank the whole cup. "Thank you, Kenji," he said. "I will be back." Kenji kept selling until the pitcher was empty. Then he counted his coins on the curb. He was still a little short, and his shoulders drooped.

5Just then, Mr. Okafor hurried up the street, waving his wallet. He paid for his cup. He added a handful of extra coins. "Your kindness deserves a reward," he said. He also told the whole block about the stand, and soon neighbors were lining up again. Kenji squeezed a fresh batch of lemonade. By evening, his jar was full. The next day, he walked to the store and bought a shiny new soccer ball.