This is a little story about a three-year-old's introduction to the horror of math.
"We only have to pay fourpence for me," Jenny said in a loud whisper. "Remember Betty you are eleven years old not twelve. Only twopence for you. This leaves a whole sixpence to buy cakes".
"I am three years old," I shouted out proudly from my stroller.
"Shush, shush Mary, you are two for today, so you get in free."
This immediately terrified me. I can still remember my uncontrollable sobbing with the sure knowledge that the guards at the gate would put us all in jail for lying.
All I could hear was "shush, shush" as my stroller rocked back and forth. I closed my eyes very tight to stop crying when we got to the gate. I was braced to hear angry words and orders to get in the police truck.
"O.K girls, have a wonderful day in the gardens," said a jolly, friendly voice. "Don't be so sad little girl. You will see beautiful flowers, birds and rabbits and fish swimming in lily ponds. There are also swings and see-saws with lots of kids to play with you.
I was just happy we were not going to jail.
I remember the wonderful day and can still taste that lovely cream bun Betty and Jenny bought.
I also remember the terror I felt. The girls were just trying to make the money my mother gave them stretch to cake. I think now that I would have understood if they had just slowly explained their plan to me. Then, the terror would not have been so intense.
Thank you for reading my blog and or listening to it as a Podcast.
The story takes place at the gates of the National Botanical Gardens in Dublin, Ireland.
I would appreciate your comments in the section below.
