The ice cream parlor was busy with afternoon customers, but Chuck's excitement was contagious as he pressed his face close to the display case, pointing at every flavor with glee.

"Can I get the cookie dough? And maybe the chocolate chip? Oh, wait...they have the choco mint!"

I smiled at his enthusiasm. "Pick two, okay?"

When our turn came, I placed our orders and reached for my wallet. My fingers counted the bills once, twice, and my stomach sank.

It wasn't enough. I was short by ...