The Story of Billy Frankilson

By Samantha (Age 10, German Swiss International School)

This story takes place in 1972. There was a boy named Billy Frankilson. Billy had a family but the whole family was homeless. They were kicked out of their house by the government because they couldn't pay the rent. His dad was an exterminator and his mom did domestic work. The Frankilsons secretly lived in an old farm house. There was everything in that farm house. They had beds, water, and electricity, and because the government forgot to close the house for sale, the Frankilson family took the house. The only thing that they didn't have was money and nice clothes. They got food from the chickens they had, and from the plants and vegetables.

Billy was 17, about to graduate from West Mitford High. He was very smart, handsome, and popular in school. He had a girlfriend named Amelia Emart. Amelia thought that Billy was perfect. The only problem was that he went to a very rich school and if anyone found out that he lived in an old farm house, he would lose everything. So the only way to keep on going with life was to not invite his parents to the graduation. A week before graduation night, Billy told his parents that graduation was only for the kids.

He went to school and found out that he had won the German, Math, and English awards!! He had to give a speech and dedicate these awards to his parents. He felt guilty after lying to his parents. He had to do something.

The night of graduation came. During his speech he was going to tell the school his secret. His name was announced so he could come give his speech. He began stuttering on stage and he ran off crying. He was so sad. He ran backstage, and ran into his parents wearing nice clothes! Mrs. Frankilson was wearing high heels. Mr. Frankilson was wearing a suit. Billy was very confused. Supposedly Billy's parents had been saving up money to wear nice clothes to his graduation night. Billy hugged his parents and ran back on stage to finish his speech.

"I would like to tell you a secret that might change your lives. My name is Billy Frankilson, and I am an only child. I live in an old farm house because the government kicked us out of our old house. I am now here making this speech for my mom and dad. What I learned in my life was that you do not have to be rich to love. Blindly I was looking for what I did not have and I didn't see what I already had: wonderful parents, a girlfriend, great friends, and an education. Congratulations, fellow graduates! You graduated!"