Joy

joy is like an M&M cookie                                                                                                             

 warm and gooey that melts in your mouth

joy is like seeing your brother again                                                                                                   after he was gone for a month in China

joy is like when you writing flows onto the paper                                                                         floating onto the paper filing it up

joy is like running                                                                                                                           in the San Francisco morning  fog

joy is like seeing your friends                                                                                    after a long summer break

sadness is like thinking of your friends you made on that one sleep-away camp                       and joy is like when you remember you might see them again next year.

To read

When I read I feel like I’m flying 

I fly into the book to see the characters 

The characters that are my friends

I read to get away from this dull crazy world into the bright colorful world of story

I go on big adventures with my friends

I read and read

I read to come to this world when I need a break or when I’m scared or mad or just want to read or have a break

Reading heals me helps me feel better calm down and relax

Once the story ends I am sad but the end of one story means the start of another and I can alway come back

A Dog Not A Cat

Hi, my name is Mike and I am 12 years old. One big thing about me is I really really I love cats! But I can't get one because my sister Lucy, my mom AND my dad are allergic, so basically my whole family. I really really really want one though so I am thinking about taking the really cute stray from the corner down the street. Everyday I walk to school and pass by this cute cat. She is a calico and I WANT TO TAKE HER HOME SO BAD!! She is well fed and likes me a lot because I bring some food for her every morning SEE  I am  responsible enough for a cat! But no! I cant get one! SO I have decided to take her home and keep her in my room. I will buy cat food from the corner store. I go down stairs to get a cardboard box I fill it up with packing peanuts for a litter box. The cat is exploring my room right now! I am trying to think of a good name for her......hmm.......OH I know! Calie! Short for Calico! perfect!.......oh no Lucy just got home and she is really sneezing!

 "DINNER!" my dad calls.

 I go to the kitchen and Lucy comes in WHEEZING! Oh no I'm so stupid it must be Calie!

 "My throat is itchy," Lucy says. 

"She's having an allergic reaction, she has hives everywhere!" my mom says while sneezing herself.

 "What is she allergic to though?" my dad asks. 

I know I have to tell the truth. "I took the cat on the corner home. I'm so sorry," I say crying. My parents don't answer. They all have hives but Lucy is the worst. Lucy gets an epipen and we drive to the hospital. 

I'm sitting in the waiting room crying. Lucy could have died because of me! I am so so dumb I knew she was allergic, I knew they all are. My mom comes out of the hospital room and sits next to me. 

"Lucy is going to be OK." She says and gives me a squeeze. "I know you didn't mean to, Mike, and I think the guilt  and a good grounding will be a good punishment for you."

I nod.

"I always wanted a pet when I was a kid you know, I know how it feels but you know Lucy could have died, you know there's a reason why we can't get a cat." 

"I know," I say.

Lucy and dad come out and I give Lucy a hug and say sorry at least a thousand times while we drive home. I tell them to not come in. I  get a vacuum and clear my room of fur, next I throw away the litter box that Calie did not even use, then I come outside with Calie. Lucy backs away sneezing and so do mom and dad. 

I ask them, "I know we cant keep her but I don't want her to live in the street,"

"Honey I know you care about her but not everyone can just adopt a cat you know," my mom tells me. 

"Wait," Lucy says, "I have a friend who has a cousin who is looking for a cat. maybe they could adopt her!"

"perfect!" I yell.

"Luckily they live close by" Lucy explains.

I walk there with Lucy's directions and ring the doorbell.  They answer it and I tell them that Lucy said they were looking for a cat and gave them Calie and the kibble I had bout. i told them Calie's name, they thanked me and I walked home. 

It was getting late so we ate dinner and went to bed. 

2 months later I come back from school to see my family sitting at the dining table with 2 boxes on it. one was bumping around and the other was not moving. I sit down and ask what was happening . 

"Open it, Mike!" Lucy said. 

I opened it and a puppy popped out and I fell down from fright and it leaped on me licking my face.

We felt bad that you didn't get to keep Calie and I have always wanted a pet so we got a puppy!" my mom exclaimed. 

"Thanks so much," I said while hugging all of them. "but what's in the other box?" I asked

"You know having a puppy requires a lot of responsibility and a lot of toys!" my dad says opening the box. Inside where was a collar, 2 bowls, a dog bed, blankets and a LOT of toys! we unpacked everything and named the dog...Jazz.