That morning, after taking Joey to the birthday party, Scott’s mother was in the kitchen preparing lunch when Scott walked in complaining. “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do in this stupid apartment. I wish we were back in our house. I hate it here!”
“This will give you something to do,” his mother said as she handed him a plate. “I’ve made your favorite sandwich, peanut butter and jelly – with the crust removed, just the way you like it.”
With Joey at the birthday party, Scott realized he didn’t know what to do with himself.
“After lunch,” Mother suggested, “why don’t you call those kids you met in school who live in the building, and I’ll take you to Central Park. You can find plenty to do there on a beautiful day like this.”
Angelina, who was in Scott’s class, and Eli (who was in a class behind them) were happy to be included on the excursion. They walked along the path past the lake and the rowboats to a bench in the shade where his mother could read her magazine while the kids played.
“Hey, Mom,” Scott asked, “want to play catch with us?”
“Later,” Mother said. “Let me finish reading this article.”
As Scott and his friends wandered down the path toward a graceful little bridge that arched over a stream, his mother called after him, “Scott, don’t go too far away.”
“We just want to see the bridge.” They strolled onto the bridge, and out of curiosity Scott leaned over the railing. “Did you see that?” he shouted.
“What?” said Eli.
“There,” Angelina said, pointing. “I see it. It’s moving. Scott leaned farther out. Suddenly, he lost his balance and flipped head over heels into the green water, howling as he dropped, “Ah-h-h-o-o-o-oh! Help!”
Eli and Angelina could only watch helplessly as Scott fell.