Scenes Of His Birthday

Joseph grabbed the innkeeper's shirt and pulled him close to his face. He stared directly into the innkeeper's eyes as he spoke.

"Sir, my wife is about to give birth! Surely you can spare something?"

The innkeeper threw his hands up.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! We are all booked for the census!"

Mary laid her hand onto her husband's shoulder.

"Joseph, we need to go, now."

A painful gaze from the young Mary was enough to tell both of the men that she needed to get to a place to stay.

Joseph turned to face Mary. "Yes, let's see of we can try somewhere else."

He shot the innkeeper one last fiery look and helped his wife along the road.

The innkeeper was not completely heartless. It did pain him to see them go to search for some other place to stay.

"W-wait!" called the innkeeper. "I know of one other place. It's not a room, it's a stable, but that's all I can offer you."

Joseph looked at Mary for approval. She gave a quick nod.

"We'll take it."