The Long List

Ngozi and Pol were going to the east coast. Ngozi had a list.

“It’s a long way east,” Ngozi said. “We’re going to need things. I’ll read the list.”

“Okay,” said Pol. “What’s first?”

“A map. We need a map for the east coast.”

“Good. What else?”

“Some food. Half a cake and a few apples.”

“Nice. What else?”

“Two coats, two hats, and three big books.”

“Three books? It’s two days!”

“And a small tent. And a big tent.”

Pol looked at the bag. “Ngozi, we’re going east, not to the moon.”

“You’re right,” said Ngozi. “We don’t need the small tent.”