Eli had one trading card that every kid in his class wanted — a holographic dragon card that shimmered gold and purple in the light.
His friend Ben offered him five regular cards for it. Then he offered ten. Then he offered his entire collection.
Eli shook his head every time. This card was special. His uncle had given it to him when he was sick in the hospital, and it had made him feel so much better.
But then Eli saw how much Ben loved that card. Ben held it up to the light every day at lunch, just to watch it sparkle. Eli started to feel torn.
One afternoon, Eli sat down with his mom. She listened as he explained everything. Then she asked, What do you think would make you feel good about yourself?
Eli thought about it for a long time. The next day at school, he found Ben on the playground and held out the card.
I want you to have it, Eli said. You love it even more than I do. And I have all my memories with my uncle already.
Ben's face went wide with disbelief. He promised to take great care of it. That afternoon, both boys felt like they had won something important.