THE WORTH OF ONE - A CHRISTMAS STORY 

By Tessa Harvey

    Maureen O'Leary, Dr. Arthur Phelps, and Alissa Smith sat together in a small lounge which was the domain of the school matron. They helped themselves to the beverages and small cakes and sandwiches supplied by Mrs. Eva Cooper, the lady in charge of the school kitchen. Jessica, the young intern, was back in the hospital a few miles away, still working, still  studying.
    "Why are these four children here so early?" asked Eva, puzzled. Maureen answered: "For whatever reason, the parents or carers of these pupils had to bring them early. "Yes, Principal," the matron commented, snappishly, but they are too young. I did not sign up to look after kinder kiddies!"
    "Matron, these kids have not very friendly backgrounds," Maureen answered, firmly. "I suppose the money helps," snapped Alissa in return.     Arthur was trying to deal with a cream bun and failing, mumbled placatingly "you will have help," but the cream oozed out over his fingers. Eva couldn't help laughing at the white sodden moustache, appearing round the doctor's lips. It was funny. The others smiled and Maureen gave him serviettes and wipes.
    The tension was defused, but then there was a sudden crash and the unmistakable sound of smashing glass.
    "There goes my window!" muttered the principal.
    The four adults peered down at the children below. Gus, especially looked horrified. Maureen noted with some satisfaction that the others were standing by the culprit. All four children were looking up, anxious.

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