The Waiting Jar

Ava put one coin in her saving jar.

“It isn't full,” she said.

Not full. Not empty.

Mum brought paper. Ava drew the rocket-patterned skates she was keeping the coin for. Louis helped make a paper sleeve, with a window to see the coin.

“Like a spaceship!” Ava said.

Not full. Not empty.

The coin could wait safely on the shelf. Louis was making a cardboard moon and wanted Ava's help.

By teatime, the jar still held one coin. Their moon had three craters, two doors and a little place for me to park.

Waiting had contained a whole afternoon.