Every Penny

It was half-price weekend at the little charity shop, and the shelves were nearly empty.

A regular customer came in, the same friendly man who came every Saturday. Grace knew him well.

“How much is this jacket?” he asked, holding up a warm brown coat.

“Today? Six pounds,” Grace said. “Everything is half price this weekend.”

“Six pounds!” he said. “That's cheaper than lunch in town these days. And the quality is better than the new ones in the shops.”

“How many books can I take for a pound?” he asked next, looking at the table by the door.

“Four,” Grace said. “Or ten for two pounds, if you really love reading.”

He laughed. “Then I'll take ten. Is there a discount if I buy the jacket and the books together?”

“There's no special offer for that,” Grace said, “but I'll take a pound off. Call it seven pounds for everything.”

“Seven pounds! That's a wonderful deal.” He handed over the money. “And it all goes to the hospital, doesn't it?”

“Every penny,” Grace said. “We collect for the children's ward. So when you buy a cheap coat, you're really giving a gift.”

He smiled and picked up his bag. “Then I'll be back next weekend,” he said. “You make it very easy to be generous.”