Panic at the Mall
A. Gautam
Anne could not believe she was lost. This cannot be happening to me, she thought as she looked around the crowded outlet mall. I should have tied my shoes after hollering at Mom, Anne thought. But, why didn’t Mom turn around? How far can a person go in just a few seconds? Why can't I see her anywhere?
Anne debated between staying where she was, so her mother could return the same way or going to Brown House Little Market, the store they were planning to go next. Anne felt like a dog chasing its tail and going in circle as she paced back and forth but stayed in the same spot.
When she saw a security guard, Anne thought quickly. “Excuse me, Sir. I got separated from my mother. Could I use your phone to call her?”
“Yes, Miss,” the gentleman said, smiling. “After you are done, I will alert other security guards to help find your mother quickly. Don’t you worry at all.”
“Mother, it is Anne,” Anne said, as her heart beat louder than a crying toddler nearby. “I am okay. I am standing next to a security guard right outside Dan Leusen. Yes. Yes. I will wait right here.”
Monkey Gives a Scare
A Ghimire
Before he knew it, Billy was out in the street chasing after his new puppy Monkey. Billy knew he was breaking every rule, but he couldn’t just let the puppy run off in the streets.
“Monkey! Stop! Hey, Buddy! Come back!” Billy kept yelling, but Monkey would not stop.
The boy and his puppy raced in Belois Lane. Out of habit, Billy stopped at the stop sign. As he paused and tried to catch his breath, he looked around only to realize that Monkey was nowhere to be seen. Billy remembered he hadn’t locked the door when he ran after Monkey.
Never before had Billy felt so nervous and at a loss. He knew he had to hurry back. Again, Billy ran. This time, he ran even faster. However, he stopped before crossing the street to let a red car pass. Billy froze when he saw who was driving the car. His mother was home early. At first, Mrs. Mayrell smiled when she saw her little boy. Then, she was confused when she saw him barefoot out in the street. Billy looked at his feet, which felt surprisingly sticky. There licking his toes was Monkey.
How are the characters in the two stories similar?
A Both Anne and Billy are in danger.
B Both Anne and Billy are careful.
C Both Anne and Billy are forgetful.
D Both Anne and Billy are responsible for a pet.