Mariko

One cold day, Mariko and her dad were walking to the store.
“I’m tired of trött på  winter,” said Mariko.
Dad waved at their neighbor granne. “I bet Mr. Hill wishes spring våren  would come too.”
Mariko looked up to see Mr. Hill in his window. He waved vinkade med handen, and she waved back.
“Mr. Hill loves his garden,” said Mariko.

Mr. Hill had the prettiest spring flower garden. It was full of tulips and daffodils påskliljor.
Dad nodded nickade. “Yes, he does. And since eftersom  he is old, it is hard for him to go outside in winter. The streets are too icy.”
At the store, Mariko helped Dad choose milk, bread, and carrots.
“You may choose a treat for yourself, Mariko,” said Dad.
Mariko thought an apple would taste good. But suddenly something else caught her eye.
She pulled on Dad’s sleeve. “Oh, Dad, look, daffodils!”
Dad smiled. “Is that the treat you want?”
Mariko nodded.
Mariko couldn’t stop looking at her daffodils all the way home.

When she got to Mr. Hill’s house, she stopped. She looked up at the window.
“Wait here, Dad, please,” she said. “I’ll be right back.”
 Mariko rang the doorbell.


When Mr. Hill came to the door, Mariko held out the daffodils. 


Mr. Hill’s face lit up like the sun.
“What a wonderful winter surprise!” he cried. “You have brought me spring!”