Marti Sue’s Big-Hearted Birthday

Marti Sue had always loved her birthday. Not just because of the presents, but because every year, her parents gave her a special gift: a pet. It all started when she was born and her parents gave her a little kitten. Then, for her second birthday, she got a puppy. And every year after that, she received a new pet - a bunny, a hamster, a fish, and even a parrot. Marti Sue loved all her pets, and they were her best friends. But this year, as her ninth birthday approached, something was different. Marti Sue’s parents seemed worried and kept whispering to each other when they thought she wasn’t listening. Finally, one day, they sat her down and told her the news. “Marti Sue, we have something important to tell you,” her dad said, looking serious. “You’re going to be a big sister!” her mom added, with a smile. Marti Sue was overjoyed at the thought of having a little brother or sister, but then her parents dropped another bombshell. “With the baby on the way, we won’t be able to take care of so many pets. We need to find new homes for them,” her dad explained.

Marti Sue’s heart sank. She couldn’t imagine life without her beloved pets. But her parents had already made arrangements for all the animals to be rehomed, except for one. They had found a family to take care of her parrot, but Marti Sue was on her own to find a new home for her fish, bunny, hamster, and puppy. As she sat in her room, feeling sad and worried, Marti Sue looked out the window and saw the lonely senior citizens who lived across the street. They were always sitting outside on the benches, looking lonely and sad. Then, a thought struck her. Maybe they could take care of her pets! Marti Sue eagerly went to each of the seniors and explained her situation. To her surprise, they were thrilled at the idea of having some furry and scaly companions to keep them company. They thanked Marti Sue with tears in their eyes, and she knew she had made the right decision. When her parents saw what she had done, they were amazed at her kindness and generosity. They hugged her tightly and told her how proud they were. Marti Sue felt happy that she had found loving homes for her pets and made the seniors’ lives a little brighter. On the day her little brother was born, Marti Sue proudly introduced him to her new friends, the seniors, and her heart swelled with joy as they cooed over the baby and laughed with the pets. She knew that sharing what she had brought happiness to others and that was the best gift of all.