A fair choice given the circumstances, thought Bobby. In times of scarcity one can’t be picky with these things. He watched as Ruby filled in the horse’s ample hide with vibrant purple.

“Horsey pleased.” exclaimed Ruby.

“Esbut ema hat?” questioned Bobby.

The Great Crayola Shortage of lunchtime most recent had forced them to be creative with their strained resources. Even more so after Pauline ate the yellow. There was now a pink, a purple, a green, and a mostly crumbled blue.

Ruby gazed cautiously as Bobby lifted the green in his little hand. They peered at each other for confirmation, with held breath: there was no going back now. Bobby lowered the crayon, and carefully, silently, adorned the horse’s skull with an emerald bonnet.

He removed his hand, leaving nothing but a handsome pony and four transfixed eyes on the page. They realised in unison what they had accomplished: they had succeeded in creating a work of true intellectual beauty, against a raging tide of misfortune. They both smiled broadly and began squealing with delight.