Alfred had long dreamed of receiving a mountain bike as a Christmas gift.
Each day on the way home from school he stopped by the window of a bike shop on the corner, longing to see the object of his mania -- an Italian-built Columbus-tubed fixed gear bike. It was hung from a pair of hooks above the window, gleaming with elegance. It was Alfred's dream bike. Every day Alfred would hold his breath as he'd round the corner by the bike shop and each day he'd see the bike and let his breath out slowly, fearing that someday it would be gone, sold to someone less than worthy to appreciate it for what it was -- the perfect bicycle. Unfortunately Alfred's family couldn't afford it, so that's why Alfred still only had the chance to look rather than to ride on it.
The days had grown short; snow had begun to fall -- Christmas was coming! "I've been good so maybe there is a chance. I'd have to approach it just right, however." Alfred thought. "So Alfred, what do you want for Christmas?" Alfred's mother asked. Before he could stop himself he blurted out, "I want an Italian-built, Columbus-tubed fixed gear bike!" Hearing this, Alfred's mother stayed silent, just sighing. Alfred regretted...
