Rina bounded down the stairs the minute after she had slipped on her green striped hoodie and her fave blue jeans. She grabbed her worn-out, black handbag, the one with the white hearts on them from the hall, her mind racing with happy thoughts.

      Once she had stepped into the living room, Layla hopped up from her seat eagerly. "Rina! You have definitely got to open my gift for you." She rearranged her favorite denim cap on her blonde hair quickly, and handed Rina a green box with a white bow.

      Rina ripped off the paper excitedly, which revealed a suitcase. "You got me a suitcase? This goes way below your usual standard," she joked.

      Layla slapped her playfully. "Just open it!" she said, unable to conceal her excitement. Rina turned back to the brown leather suitcase, unlatched the clasp and slowly opened the case.

      It was an art kit! It was the very thing that she had asked for. "Thanks so much, Layla!"

     The two friends hugged, but were interrupted abruptly by Ana. "Come on, Rina! Just open my gift already!" Rina laughed and immediately reached for Ana's gift. She tore open the shiny gold paper just as eagerly as before, wondering what it could be. A limp box fell out, and Rina opened the box, slowly, so slow that everyone in the room leaned in closer to see what it might be. Her hands felt inside and touched fabric. She pulled it out and it turned out to be a lovely red dress!

      "Oh my gosh! It's beautiful!" she shrieked as Ana smiled proudly. Ana hugged her gently. "Well, it's the least I can do. You've helped me so much."

      Rina stood up with her suitcase in one hand and her dress slung in the other arm. "Thanks so much for these presents!"

      But her mom stood up with a graceful smile. "Rina, do you think those are your only gifts?" And her mom grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to the door. Together, they walked outside in the crisp autumn air.

      Rina took one glance at her gift, and her heart skipped a beat.