A PRESENT FROM PETROS
By
Ten-year-old Petros lived outside the ancient city of Rhodes, where the Aegean Sea lapped the shore and overhead the sky was a bright blue cup. Petros' father was a tourist guide; and one summer when he was unable to work, Petros saddled up his baby donkey, Kyrios, and went to meet the boat instead. Wonder of wonders, he was hired to escort an American girl, Susan -- not for a day, but for the entire season! Before she leaves, Petros gives Susan a very special present from the Island; and he is amply rewarded by her letter from America, promising to return soon to see him again. Short and sweet, with enough dry humor to save it from the saccharine.