I loved reading a lot. Mom and I often went to the city. We would shop in big stores full of wonders. But I waited for my moment. I knew the place well and would pull Mom by the hand to lead her to where I wanted us to go. Here we were near the bookstore. I stopped. "Mom," I would pray, "Mom, will you buy me a book?" My mother hesitated. We weren't rich. But sometimes, she would give in to my plea. We entered the store. Mom had a serious look. She would flip through books, watching me carefully. Finally, she would tell the saleswoman: - I'll take this book for my son. and I would receive, moments later, the book in my hands. I couldn't find the words to thank om.