Last Saturday, my daughter Mackenzie set up her very first lemonade stand. She planned it all herself—down to the sign design, pricing (“25¢ per cup”), and even a cheerful note offering a discount for anyone who waved. She pulled a Frozen-themed table from her room, filled a red jar with change, and set up shop barefoot on the sidewalk, practicing her “Hi there!” every time a car passed.
After an hour with no customers, Mackenzie’s determination never wavered. Then, a police cruiser slowly rolled by. She sat up straighter, watching nervously. To our surprise, it circled back and stopped in front of her stand.
One officer stepped out and greeted her kindly. “We got a call,” he said with a playful smile. “Someone reported an ‘unlicensed business operating on the sidewalk.’ That wouldn’t be you, would it?”
Mackenzie blinked. “I just have lemonade… and waving is free,” she replied shyly.
The officer chuckled and examined her handmade sign. “We take lemonade laws very seriously around here,” he teased. “Might need a taste test.”
She carefully poured him a cup, hands trembling. He took a sip, exaggerated a thoughtful pause, and declared, “That’s some of the best lemonade I’ve had all week.”
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