A Short Story= By Eva Scrivano Conti = Thanksgiving Day With Mama

Mama got up early. I didn’t know what time it was, but it was still dark outside. I could  see Mama in the living room, lighting the kerosene stove from my bedroom. I wanted to get out of bed and join her, but I was too cold. I couldn’t see into the kitchen from my bedroom, but I knew Mama was making coffee,because that’s what  she did  every morning.

When the house got warmer I jumped out of bed, excited to be spending this time with Mama alone while the rest of the family was asleep. Today was going to be a very special day, because we were having company, and lots of good things to eat. We didn’t have much money, but Mama said we had enough to buy me a special dress to wear today. She told me I must try not to get the dress dirty, because I needed to wear it again on  Christmas Day.

Mama made breakfast for us, toast and coffee just the way I liked it, with lots of milk and sugar. After breakfast Mama began cleaning and preparing the turkey. Mama said it was the biggest turkey she ever made. I didn’t help Mama prepare the food, I just sat and watched. She said that was best.

During the day, the house got real warm and cozy. the smell coming from the turkey was filling the air. Mama’s favorite Italian music was playing on the radio, and she was singing  along with Carlo Buti. Mama loved to sing, and so did I.

Mama, said I could go downstairs and play with my friends for awhile. We lived on the third floor in an apartment building in Manhattan. Today it was quiet outside, except for the sound of the trains. The third Ave El trains were next to our building. I always loved the sound of the trains. I began thinking out loud, ”Wouldn’t it be nice if it snowed today just like it did last Thanksgiving Day”. I loved the snow. My sister Mary called to me from the bedroom window, “come up Eva, its time to eat. Aunt Anna, and your Godmother are here and they are asking for you”. When I got upstairs, everyone was sitting around the table expect for Mama. She always served everyone before she sat down. Everything looked so pretty, and smelled so good. I was so happy to see my favorite aunt, Anna. She had the most beautiful face and smile. After dinner and dessert Mama asked me to get out her jar of pennies so we could play bingo, Mama’s favorite game. It sure was a special day for me. I like to think that I am a lot like my Mama. She will always have a special place in my heart.