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A Surprise for Brady

© Joy Butler

Summer vacation is upon us and I've decided to share a fiction story with you for some pleasant summer reading. Hope you enjoy it.

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Brady was just about the most disappointed, disgruntled eleven-year-old in the county. His mood matched the dark, angry clouds gathering in the west.

I can't believe it, Brady thought. I've waited for weeks to see the dog show today and now Mrs. Hillman needs my help. With a groan, he snapped shut the dog training book that had been a birthday gift from his parents. I didn't mind helping her unload those heavy feed sacks in the barn after Mr. Hillman passed away, but this is impossible! The obedience show is here at the Community Center today and I just can't miss it!

From a poster on the wall, a champion Labrador stared out at him. Someday I'll own and train a dog as fine as that, Brady dreamed. The soft, brown eyes of the poster dog beckoned him. I could tell Mrs. Hillman I'm busy. After all, it is the truth. My best friend, Rick, is showing Pepper and I'm going to help him brush her before she goes into the ring.

A distant thunder rumbled and from his window Brady watched the clouds heavy with rain as they came closer. Mrs. Hillman's calves were scattered in the pasture. One little calf skittered and ran to its mother as lightning streaked across the western sky.

Oh, boy. Mrs. Hillman better get out and round up her cows before the storm strikes. He pictured her trying to shoo the animals toward the barn as she limped on her bad leg.

No. There's no way I'm going to miss the dog show. I've looked forward to this and I'm going! After all that practice at Rick's yesterday, I just have to see if Pepper remembers her "automatic sits". Brady whirled away from the window and headed for the closet. I'll get my raincoat.

After struggling into his yellow slicker, he stopped. Mrs. Hillman will get soaked out there if she gets caught in the storm. She might get pneumonia or something. But that's not my problem. She could call someone else. Besides, if Pepper wins a ribbon, I've just got to be there to see it.

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Find out, in part 2, about Brady's amazing discovery.

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Clip art courtesy of http://www.designedtoat.com/weather.htm

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