THE WORTH OF ONE - A CHRISTMAS STORY 

By Tessa Harvey

    An outbreak of measles had seen as many children as possible discharged to add to their woes.
    Augustus was able to go back to the school sick bay under the charge of matron and Doctor Phelps. After a day, he was able to start school with the others. His concussion had passed. Only his arm hurt a little. Veronica, Augustus, Jacob and Melissa were in a classroom with the two Sudanese children, Aiden and Pamela. The principal took the first lesson. It was called "The Worth Of One."
    She asked the children what they believed about Christmas.  There were comments about gifts, family time. Veronica alluded to Christmas songs about a baby, angels, shepherds, kings. It sounded very confusing to Jacob and Melissa brought up in tension and computer games and frequent moves to different homes and schools.
    Then Aiden said loudly, "Miss, we came here to learn, not listen to fairy stories. Why are we doing this? Pamela can't even read properly yet."
    That little girl looked very embarrassed and had tears in her eyes. She looked down at her shoes. Everyone was totally silent.
    "What would Mrs. O'Leary do in response? It is like the old days, thought Jacob, afraid! A gauntlet has been flung down in challenge and there must now be a fight, a battle.
    He wanted to leave and escape and moved back in his chair, ready.

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