Use the paragraphs to complete the activity.
Patrick lived in Emeryville, but every Saturday morning he rode two city buses to his uncle’s bookstore in Northview, where he worked. He didn’t mind the commute because he loved his job. He loved spending time with his uncle, but he also loved going to work because he had become friends with Andrew, one of his co-workers. The boys would talk about everything from baseball scores to movies to favorite pizza toppings.
So this Saturday, when Patrick got to work, he and Andrew got to talking as they always did.
“Hey, Pat,” Andrew said casually.
“Hey,” said Patrick. “Did you have a good week?”
“Yeah,” he said. “Great week. My basketball team made it into the semifinals. The game is tonight. We’are playing Emeryville, our nemesis.”
Before Patrick could say another word, Andrew continued. “I don’t like Emoryville. I don’t think I could ever be friends with someone from that town. Our schools are such rivals.”
Patrick was speechless.
“Where …
exactly in Emoryville do you live?” Andrew asked, looking at Patrick with curiosity.
Patrick hesitated for a moment before replying, “I live in Emeryville, actually. That’s where I’m from.”
Andrew’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? I had no idea. I didn’t mean anything by what I said. I just get caught up in the school rivalry sometimes.”
“It’s okay,” Patrick reassured him. “I understand. But just because we’re from rival towns doesn’t mean we can’t be friends, right?”
Andrew smiled and nodded. “You’re right, Pat. I’m sorry for what I said. Let’s just enjoy working together and not let where we’re from get in the way.” From that day on, Patrick and Andrew’s friendship grew even stronger, despite the rivalry between their towns.