Postal Henry sat on the bench, welcoming folk to the Bunyip Post Office.
Henry’s post box was number 5. Sometimes it sat empty, but today it was quite full. So full, in fact, that the postmaster had to bring the letters out to him.“Henry,” he said with a smile, “your post box is overflowing today.”Henry’s eyes widened. “Mine?”“And not just letters,” said the postmaster, placing a small stack beside him. “You’ve got parcels as well. Parcels are very popular these days.”Henry looked at the neatly wrapped packages.
“Oh my,” he said, “I do like a parcel.”Inside, Amber the postal assistant was busy at the counter. She didn’t just sell stamps—she helped with many things. There were books, toys, lollies, cold drinks, candles, Tattslotto tickets, and bright sheets of stickers.The post office was a very handy place. People could do their banking and pay their accounts. It was always busy, with friendly faces coming and going.Henry loved the stickers best of all. He chose his favourites—Australian animals. Kangaroos, koalas, wombats, emus, and even a smiling platypus.“These will make the letters extra special,” Henry said.He pressed a kangaroo sticker onto one parcel and a koala onto another.
“Everyone loves a surprise.”Just then, Gee the Goose walked in.“Good morning, Amber,” Gee said, placing her papers on the counter. “I’ve come to pay my bills.”“Of course, Gee,” Amber replied. Henry waved. “Hello, Gee!”Gee gave a little flap of her wings. “Hello, Henry! I see you’ve got lots of mail today.”“Yes, I certainly do,” Henry said with a smile.The door opened again.In came Kath, the parcel lady. “Morning everyone,” she said. “I’m here to fill up the van.”She gathered the parcels, stacking them carefully into her trolley.“There go the parcels,” Henry said.“Yes,” said Amber, “off they go to homes near and far.”“I’ll make sure they get there safe and sound,” Kath added.Henry sat quietly on his bench, holding his letters and parcels.The post office buzzed with friendly voices and busy footsteps. Henry smiled.
“I do like the post office.”And on that day, Postal Henry felt happy… right where he belonged.