The other boys quickly snatch the coin from Nicholas’ hand to examine it closer. It is quickly passed around until the know-it-all of the group tosses it back to Nicholas, chuckling.

“Hey, be careful. Its gold ya know!â€? Nicholas holds the coin tight in his fist.

“It’s only a dumb old quarter,â€? Steven smirks.

“No it’s not!â€? Nicholas looks at the coin’s toothed edge and the silver eagle. His brow crinkles and his usually wide-curious eyes shrink to green slits. “Who stole my coin?â€?

“No one wants a crummy old quarter,â€? Steven and the rest of the group laugh as they walk off.

“No… it was gold. What happened to my coin?â€? Nicholas sits down on the sidewalk in front of the school. Small tears fall from his cheeks.