Finley stomped into the Sweets Shop Dad looked up from the counter He rolled some brownie batter into a ball and stuck a small white stick into it Are you okay son Finley’s little sister Fiona picked up the brownie ball by its stick She dipped it in a bowl of liquid chocolate You want a cake pop Fiona and Finley’s parents owned the Sweets Shop a bakery with old-fashioned desserts like lemon gingerbread and plum pudding Finley usually loved helping after school But not today He shook his head angrily A kid at school called Sam a really bad name Sam’s my best friend Why Fiona asked 7
Finley frowned It was because Sam is African American Hmmm Dad said softly How did that make you feel I feel sad and mad I don’t know what to do The bell over the side door jingled Look at the time squawked Tick Tock their pet parrot Even though he was upset Finley still looked up Only special visitors came through the side door A lady walked in She wore a blue dress and a hat What’s that yummy smell Cake pops Fiona said You want one Yes please the lady said She ate the whole cake pop in one bite She smiled at 8
Finley He tried to smile back but his mouth just wouldn’t work What’s wrong Finley took a deep breath and told her about his friend Sometimes it’s hard to stand up for someone but it’s the right thing to do 9
