Just two more days till Christmas! Marcus sat by his window, staring at the 1 lights on other buildings. His little brother, Peter, sat beside him.
"When are we getting our Christmas tree, Marcus?" Peter asked.
On hearing this, Marcus walked slowly to his room and 2 his piggy bank. Only seven dollars! Far from enough! Mama was too 3 to make a living. He decided to earn more on his own.
He delivered the milk on his way to school and after school, he pushed carts to help shoppers. In the evening, he 4 the baby for neighbors. Two days later, six more dollars jingled (发出叮当声) in his pocket. "My lucky day," he thought. Thirteen dollars should buy a small tree
He 5 all the way to the street with the excited Peter. But even the smallest trees were $ 15 or more. Suddenly, he saw a small tree planted in a can. "Is that one for 6 , sir?"
"Yes, that's my last 7 tree," the seller said. "It's small now, but it will grow tall."
"How much does it cost?" asked Marcus.
"It's Christmas Eve. For you, $ 8." answered the man.
"It's so small," Peter complained.
"Being small isn't a bad thing. You're small, but you are 8 . I can find you wherever you are." Marcus told his brother as he 9 the tree. "It will grow bigger, just like you." Peter's eyes opened wide. "There are 5 dollars left. Let's go to the10 ," Marcus said.
They shopped quickly: a scarf for Mama; a coloring book for Peter; a wallet for Marcus. They hurried home. Marcus set their tree on the table and Peter couldn't wait to place straw birds on the branches.
When they were 11 decorating the tree, Mama came in. What came to her sight really astonished her. Straw birds were hanging on a small lovely Christmas tree; 12 were on the sofa.
"What 13 The Santa Claus came?" asked the Mama
"Marcus is the Santa!" Peter replied, running to mom. "He worked after school and earned some money. He bought the Christmas tree and presents."
"But I can't afford a big tree, mom," Marcus 14 his head and said.
"My dear, it is the biggest and most beautiful tree in my heart!" said mom. 15 the two boys tightly, Mama couldn't contain her joyful tears.
