A Birthday Present For Bhavin

Bhavin went to the pet store with his mom and his brothers, Ishaan and Manoj. Ishaan needed food for his bunny. Manoj wanted a toy for his bird.

- Joanne Brown

Bhavin looked at a red-and-bluestriped fish while he waited. Air bubbled to the top of the fish tank. Bhavin leaned close to the glass. Could he hear the bubbles pop?

“May I have a pet?” Bhavin asked.

“You can’t take care of a pet,” Ishaan said. “You’re too little.”

“I’m almost seven,” said Bhavin.

“I can take care of a pet.”

“You won’t be gentle with a pet,” said Manoj. “You’re too little.”

Mom smiled. “It’s hard to keep a pet’s cage neat.” Bhavin stood tall. “I can be neat.”