Mister Pepper's Secret Read Free

door. Angelina turned and blew
kisses to Mia and shouted, “Parting is such sweet sorrow…” and with
laughter dashed out the door, gently pushing her aunt ahead of
her.
    “Oh, Bubbles,” sighed Mia, as she looked back
to where the children were still laughing and petting their new
statue friend. “Oh, Mister Pepper! Astor Court is such a magical
place. Come on, Bubbles, let’s get some watermelon.”
     
    In the following winter, Mrs. Goldenrod
passed away peacefully in her sleep. She was ninety-two years old
and talked to her household friends up until the very end. She left
all of her furniture to Angelina who was at a loss as to what to do
with it. Angelina thought carefully about the matter and finally
donated it to an animal rescue group so it could be used to help
save animals.
    Not long after Mrs. Goldenrod’s departure, a
graduate student moved into her apartment. Mia saw her some
mornings in the elevator, carrying a tote bag full of books. She
usually looked deep in thought, but would always smile.
    Mia and Bubbles stopped to say hello to
Mister Pepper every day, no matter what the weather. They had
become fast friends. Mister Pepper ended up having many other
people who would greet him each day.
    As for myself, I have lost a brick or two
somewhere. They’re probably in the process of becoming something
else. I hope that whatever it is, they will be useful—and
happy!
     
    My story is over. Mrs. Goldenrod said it
best—if people would be polite to their friends, as well as their
enemies, the world would be a better place. And I would like to
add, polite to things of the world that don’t breathe or move. One
never knows how a little polite attention can make all the
difference to that brick, or furniture, or statue…



About the Author
     

     
    Marian Hailey-Moss is a former actress and a
semi-retired psychotherapist She champions the humane treatment of
animals, veganism and lives in New York City. The story was
inspired by the statue that her actress friend Lenore Harris gave
her and by a foster dog named Pepper.
     
     
    About the Artist
     

    MARC CHALVIN is a Parisian artist who fills
his drawings and his animations with life, whimsy, and wisdom. Marc
feels they speak for themselves.
     

Special Thanks
    to
    Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue, NY
     
    Other children’s books by Marian
Hailey-Moss
     
    Teatime with Sophie
    A Palace for
Peepers
    (with Andrea End)
    A Dog Named Randall
    (with Mark Wilk)
    Milky Whey’s Dream
    An Elephant Called Butterfly
    (with Lois Meredith )
    An Elephant Called Mira
    PEACEFOOD
     
    Available at Amazon