Small businessmen

Summer morning, South Davis, corner of Cowell Blvd. and Washoe St. Four boys, ages maybe 8 to 11, two signs, a card table. Two of the boys hold the brown cardboard signs over their heads; as I get closer, I can read the hand-lettered words and hear them shouting as they walk toward my car: "Free lemonade!" "Free cookies!" I can't resist. I pull over and roll down the passenger-side window.

"What's the catch?" I ask. "It's free," one of the boys answers. "Free?" "Yes. But you can leave a tip if you want."

They had two flavors of lemonade (raspberry and regular) and chocolate chip cookies arranged on the cloth-covered table. The fresh lemons were a nice touch. And, I was informed by one boy, I could also get a discount card good for discounts at local businesses. All free.

I wanted to hug them. Instead, I accepted a glass of regular lemonade and left them a $2 tip. It may have been the only money they earned, because business didn't look to be too brisk. As I drove away, the boys resumed their sign-waving and shouting, but car after car drove past without a look, and each time the signs would come down, only to rise again as the next vehicle hove into sight. I should have left them a tenner.