“It’s Jolly Solly again!” exclaimed Miriam, eyes wide

Leah Morris was walking briskly up the road toward home, along with her little sister, Miriam. At least Leah was trying to walk briskly. There were still a bunch of mishloach manos packages she’d prepared for her BFFs that needed some finishing touches. But Miriam (dressed up as Queen Esther) kept stopping to look at all the interesting sights in Sunny Lane that bright Purim morning.

“Look! There’s Jolly Solly!” cried the little girl excitedly.

Indeed, the clown could be seen going head-over-heels at top speed, on the other side of the road.

“Yoo hoo, Miriam!” hooted the clown, hearing her voice. Then, seeing her costume, he swung himself upright.

“I say! Her Royal Highness in person! A very good day to you, Your Majesty,” said the clown in a tone of deep respect.

Miriam giggled as he pretended to be so overwhelmed that he almost fell over backward. He caught himself just in time.

“May I offer Your Majesty some candies?” he asked. “Only the best kind, of course.”

Miriam grinned and took some of the famous crackle-poppers.

Then she felt Leah pulling at her hand.

“Sorry, gotta go now, Jolly Solly,” she said.

“Certainly, Your Highness!” replied the clown, with a wink. And off he rushed — on his hands, of course!