He’d help Reuven find a costume, Yoni decided, but he wasn’t telling Reuven about his own

"This year,” Yoni’s mother said, adjusting the strap on his costume, “Aunt Mindy and Uncle Aharon are coming to Bubby and Zeidy’s Purim party with Temima. And the rest of the cousins and aunts and uncles will be there too.”

Yoni stood in front of the mirror. The bow and arrows hung on his back, his armor shone, and the sword rested in its case. He thought he looked almost like a real knight.

“This will be the greatest Purim ever,” he said. “The whole family will see my costume at the Purim seudah, and even Reuven will jealous.”

“They always love your costume,” his mother said. “Last year Bubby told me—”

“Bubby didn’t notice anything, even though I had the best costume.” Yoni shook his head. “She was too busy with Reuven because his family was in the hospital and he was there all by himself. This year my costume’s better, though. And Reuven’s family’s will be coming, too.”

“I’m glad Temima’s well enough for them to join us this year.” His mother smiled. “Put your costume away and go over to Reuven’s. We’ll work on the mishloach manos next week.”

Yoni nodded, taking the bow and arrows in his hands and studying them. “You won’t tell anyone? I want to keep my costume a surprise.”

His mother nodded.