Magic Pocket

There was a special little boy named Joseph. Now Joseph had a happy life with his mommy and daddy. He had all the things a little boy could need and quite a few things that little boys want. He had a room full of toys, a closet full of games, and house full of love. One day his mommy told him that since school would be starting in a couple weeks it was time to buy his new school clothes. Though Joseph didn’t care much for clothes, he did want to look nice on the first day of school.

“Okay mom, I’ll go but can I get a toy too?”

“We’ll see Joseph. Perhaps, if you behave we can find a little something.”

When they arrived at the story, Joseph used his best manners and stayed close to his mommy. He had his eye on some new legos and had to make sure he didn’t make a single mistake if he was going to ask for them. Up and down each aisle they went until they came to the little boys clothes. Mommy picked up a few shirts and some pants and a sweatshirt for Joseph to try on. He didn’t think much of any of the things she picked; after all she was just a mom and didn't really know what was cool. He did find an outfit he really liked. It was a black shirt with a gold design on the shoulder and a pair of jeans with one gold-lined pocket that matched. It was cool for sure and just the right size. Along with what mom had selected, Joseph took his clothes into the dressing room and began to try on the pants. The first pair was one his mom had chosen. They were terribly uncomfortable and too short for his legs by at least three inches. Shaking his head, he took off the pants and reached for the outfit he liked. First the shirt, then the jeans, and a few poses in the full length mirror. Feeling proud of his new look he stuck his hands in the pockets and felt something crunchy within the gold lining. Pulling his hand out holding the object, Joseph’s eyes widened as he opened his hand to find a crisp clean twenty dollar bill in his palm. Bursting with excitement, he leaped from the dressing room to show his mother his treasure.

“Look mom, look.”

“Where did you find that, sweetie?”

“It was inside the pocket of these pants.”

“Wow, looks like you’re getting those Legos after all, huh.”

“Let’s go now. Can I where this out of the store?”

“I guess that okay; let’s go see if they had the set you wanted.”

Over in the toy section, Joseph found the Legos he had seen on TV only they were priced at twenty-nine ninety-nine which was more than his pocket had surprised with. Feeling a bit sorry for himself, he put his hands in his pocket and began to drag his feet. There… in the same pocket as before, Joseph found himself palming yet another twenty dollar bill. His heart skipped a beat knowing that not only could he now afford the toy he has hoping for but he was now owner to a VERY special pair of pants.

While his mommy paid for his new clothes, he bought his toy then told her he had to use the restroom before they left. Once in the men’s bathroom, Joseph put his hand in his pocket yet again and tried not to rejoice as another twenty presented itself. He moved the bill to the opposite pocket and did it two times more before leaving to meet his mom at the door.

The whole way home, Joseph’s mind stuck to the pocket of his pants and all the exciting things he would have now that he would always have money. Still in a daze when they arrived at the house, he floated to his room with his new toy in his arms and a list mounting in his head. After stuffing two hundred dollars in his favorite blue pillow case, he carefully removed his new pants and hung them over the back of his desk chair.

That night when Joseph was asleep he had the sweetest dreams of all the things he would buy, places he would go, and things he could do. With the sun high in the sky, he woke to the sound of the washing machine buzzing the beginning of the rinse cycle. Not thinking much of it, he stretched himself slowly out of bed and looked at his chair. Then he lunged himself from his room when the pants were nowhere to be found.

“MOM! Mom, where are my pants?” he called in a panic.

“They’re in the wash honey.” She calmly replied.” I know you don’t like wearing new clothes until after they’re washed.”

“NO! Mom, stop the wash… Please!” he pleaded.

Joseph flew up the lid of the washing machine and dug through the drenched load until he found his pants, now sopping wet. Digging his hand into the golden pocket he found only a soggy wad of green colored paper. With tears welling in his eyes, he darted to his room and buried himself in his blankets. His dreams were nothing more than dreams again and in his sadness he wrapped his arms around his pillow seeking comfort. However, what he found was a roll worth two hundred dollars and a reason to crack a smile.

From that day on the pants were only pants but Joseph sure had fun with the money he found. Of course, never did he forget to check every pocket of every new pair of jeans he bought. Maybe you should too.