Ben’s schoolbag was about as full as it could be. With the paint, the tubing and the sacks inside, it looked like a puffer fish that had eaten a really huge meal. Getting the zipper to close had not been easy.
It also looked very odd, so, after school, Ben hid in the bathroom for a little while. When he came out, most people had gone home, so he was able to leave without anyone asking him why he had three basketballs in his bag.
He decided to walk to Grandpa’s apartment. He thought he might get too many odd looks on the bus and, apart from nearly tripping over a loose slab on the sidewalk, he got there without any problems.
“I managed to get everything we need,” said Ben, emptying the contents of his schoolbag onto Grandpa’s floor. He could almost hear the bag sighing with relief as he did so.
“Wonderful, Benny,” said Grandpa, looking at the strange pile in front of him. “So, what are we going to do with all of this?”
“Actually, Grandpa,” said Ben. “It’s all for you.”
“Really?” said Grandpa. “What have I done to deserve such riches?”
Ben then proceeded to tell Grandpa his plan.
“Oy vey, Benny,” said Grandpa when Ben had finished. “You really think that will work?”
“I don’t know,” Ben replied. “But we have to give it a try. The future of the entire planet is at stake. Will you do it, Grandpa?”
“Of course I’ll do it,” said Grandpa.
“Great,” said Ben. “Thank you. I’ll see you later for Friday night dinner, but maybe keep this plan to ourselves, yes?”
“Don’t worry, Benny, I won’t say a word. See you later.”
Just about all Ben’s relatives had been invited for a pre-bar mitzvah dinner at home that evening. Uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws, and of course, Grandpa.
It was loud and a lot of fun. Mom and Dad were on great form, Ant didn’t kick Ben or annoy him, and Carla went round telling everyone not to forget that it would be her bat mitzvah in three years’ time and gave them each a very long list of presents that she wanted.
It was such fun, in fact, that Ben actually relaxed a lot and almost forgot about everything else.
When the guests had left, though, and he was alone in his bedroom, it all came rushing back to him. The worries and nervousness returned and he wondered if he’d get any sleep at all.
“Knock, knock,” said a voice from outside. It was Mom. “Can I come in?”
“Yes,” said Ben.
She came in and sat down on the end of the bed.
“How are you feeling?” she said.
“Very full,” said Ben, smiling. “I shouldn’t have had so many roast potatoes.”
“Good,” said Mom. “If you’re making jokes, you can’t be feeling too nervous about tomorrow.”
Ben looked at his mother. There was so much he wanted to tell her, but he knew it would probably be a waste of time.
“Mom, I …”
“Benjamin, don’t worry,” said Mom before he could even really start. “It’s completely normal to be nervous, but I know you will be wonderful in shul tomorrow. My little boy will become a man and everything will be fine. Now, try and have a good night’s sleep. We don’t want you falling asleep on the bimah, do we? Goodnight.”
Mom smiled and kissed him on the forehead.
“Goodnight, Mom,” said Ben, rolling over and burying his head in the pillow.
He didn’t think he would have a good night’s sleep, but he really had eaten a lot of roast potatoes, along with plenty of other food, and before long he was indeed fast asleep. Perhaps Mom was right. Perhaps everything would be fine.