9 The Game Begins

CHAPTER NINE THE GAME BEGINS I SET THE coffee and donuts down inside the front door. "Molly," Mom called from the living room. "What are you doing up so early? On a Saturday?" "And what's this?" Dad said, holding up the envelope with the first clue inside. I had put it outside their bedroom door. "It's your first clue!" I announced as I got to the living room. "We're going to play a game today. There are four clues that lead to four prizes." "Sounds fun," Mom said and then eyeballed the living room. "Why is the couch turned around like

this?" "You have to open the first clue!" They opened the first clue. It's a game with prizes. Clue number one. A caffeine B shaped like a bagel, but better. C hum. "Well," Mom said after they were done reading the clue. "Caffeine usually means coffee. Are you going to make coffee for us this morning?" "Sort of."

"And maybe this bagel part means donuts?" Dad guessed. "Do you want me to go pick up donuts for breakfast?" "Kind of." "Okay, coffee and donuts, maybe," Mom said slowly, trying to put it all together. "But what does Hummmmmm mean?" I nodded at the couch and then out the window. "Hummingbirds?" Dad asked. "You guys sit on the couch," I said. "I'll be right back!" I put the donuts on the table in front of the couch.

I gave them their coffees. "Hooshman's Bakery?" Dad said, looking at the box. "Their donuts are the best!" "Molly, you didn't go there by yourself, did you?" Mom asked. "No," I answered and sat down between them on the couch. "Simon and Rosie went for me. Simon's mom took them." We ate donuts for breakfast. I didn't have coffee. I had milk. Milk is really good with donuts. Mom and Dad ate donuts that had sprinkles on them. I didn't. There were way too many sprinkles to count and see if there was an even number. I had one chocolate

covered and one glazed. "This is quite a treat," Mom said while we ate. "And look at the hummingbirds this morning. We should keep the couch turned this way all the time." The day was off to a great start. "Those aren't just any hummingbirds," I said. "Those are special Evanston, Illinois, hummingbirds." "They are pretty," Mom said. Then I asked, "Isn't Hooshman's the best bakery in the world?" "It certainly is," Dad said. "Time for the next clue!" I pulled the second

envelope out from under the couch. Clue #2 A. It may be blue, but it's not sad. B. It happened on June 11. C. Rhymes with "five day."