Beijing Billy

A Neighborhood, a Big House, and the Friends Who Did Not Give In

Singapore Sam, Penang Phil, Siem Reap Sally, and Jakarta Jill were cousins. They lived in the same neighborhood.

Beijing Billy moved into a big house nearby.

“I like your toys,” said Billy. “Give them to me!”

Sam, Phil, Sally, and Jill loved their toys.

“These toys are ours,” they explained.

But Billy was bilious.

“I have a big house, and I want to fill it with fun toys. If you don’t give me your toys, I will take them.”

Sam, Phil, Sally, and Jill did not know what to do.

“I have an idea,” said Sam. “Washington Willie, Moscow Misha, Lagos Larry, and London Lily might be able to help. Let’s give them a ring.”

And so they did.

Willie, Misha, Larry, and Lily came to visit the neighborhood. Together they were stronger than Billy.

Beijing Billy got scared.

He decided to leave Sam, Phil, Sally, and Jill alone, at least for a while, at least while Willie, Misha, Larry, and Lily were in the neighborhood.

A story by Pemba Umoja