“Um… would you like this?” he asked. He pointed to a 500-piece puzzle

“B

ye bye, Efraim,” said Mrs. Faigelbaum. She waved at her little boy.

“Ba-ba,” said Efraim. He was proud of his new ability to talk. At least in his own opinion.

Mr. Faigelbaum took his son’s hand. “Time for our trip to Tully’s Toyshop.”

Efraim walked as fast as his little legs would carry him. He couldn’t wait to get to the toy store. His father was buying him an afikomen present. Efraim hadn’t actually stolen the afikomen. He fell asleep halfway through the Seder. But his grandmother asked Mr. Faigelbaum to buy him a present anyway.

“Get him something nice from me,” she said. “I don’t care what it is, as long as he likes it.”

On the way to the store, Mr. Faigelbaum stopped near a tree. Efraim pulled his hand impatiently. He wanted to get to the toy store! But his father’s eyes were looking at the upper branches.

“Look at that,” said Mr. Faigelbaum. “A crested woodpecker! I must report this sighting to the National Society of Professional Birdwatchers. I don’t think the crested woodpecker has ever been seen in this area before.”

“Da-ddy,” whined Efraim.

“What— where— oh, right, you want to go to the toy store. Let’s go, come on.”