The Old Red Bicycle

Tom walked past the old shop every day. The shop had many things. Old clocks. Dusty books. Big wooden chairs. But Tom looked at only one thing. It was a bicycle.

The bicycle was old. It was bright red, but the paint was chipping. The tires were flat. The chain was rusty. Still, Tom loved it.

"How much for the red bicycle?" Tom asked the shop owner one Saturday.

The owner was an old man with white hair. He smiled. "That bicycle is very old, young man. It needs work."

"I can fix it," Tom said.

"Ten dollars," said the man.

Tom went home. He counted his money. He had twelve dollars from helping his mother. He ran back to the shop and gave the man ten dollars.

The bicycle was heavy. Tom pushed it all the way home.

On Sunday, Tom started his work. He washed the bicycle with soap and water. The dirt washed away. The red paint looked brighter.

Next, Tom pumped air into the tires. They stayed hard! He was happy.

Then he cleaned the chain and put oil on the gears. He pedaled with his hands. The wheels turned smoothly. Squeak, squeak, squeak went the chain. He added more oil. The noise stopped.

Finally, Tom polished the metal bell on the handlebars. He pushed the lever. Ring, ring! It made a loud, clear sound.

Tom pushed the bicycle out to the street. He put one foot on the pedal and pushed off. He rolled down the sidewalk. The wind blew in his hair. The bicycle moved fast and smooth.

His friend Anna was outside her house. "Nice bike, Tom!" she called out.

"Thanks! I fixed it myself," Tom said.

Tom rode up and down the street until the sun went down. The old red bicycle had a new life, and so did Tom's afternoon.

What old thing would you like to fix?