It's Susanna Leonard Hill's 3rd annual Valentiny Writing Contest.

It's Susanna Leonard Hill's 3rd annual Valentiny Writing Contest.

There's a new contest in town, and this is my first time to try it. I'm to write a children's story with 214 words in it. The 214 is because it's a Valentine's Day story of up to 214 words for 2/14. Mine has exactly 214 words.

Searching for Valentines

            Bobbie and Ginger stuffed the dollar bills into their coat pockets. They were headed to town. “I wish the doctor would let me walk with you, but he says I shouldn’t,” said mother. “Please buy a valentine for your grandmother. If there’s money left over, buy something for yourselves.”

            They rushed to Heather’s shop in town.  No valentines.  Connor’s Card’s had two old bent cards. “What are we going to do?” said Bobbie.
            “The only store left is too expensive,” said Ginger. “Mother says we can’t buy anything there. We’ll take a look. Hope we can find something there for grandmother.”

             The girls pushed open the heavy, wooden door. Huge valentines dangled from the ceiling. The girls admired dolls in frilly dresses with red hearts. A train carrying small valentines, chugged around a track.

            “Yum! I smell chocolates,” said Ginger. “Could we buy some?
             “We’d better find those valentine cards, first,” said Bobbie. “We might have to pool our money just to buy one card!”

            As they walked around the store, a huge sign near the door said “Valentines—Half Price!”

            They checked their money and smiled. The girls each bought valentines for grandmother and their mother. They also bought valentines for the new baby who was born two days later on Valentine’s Day.