Getting Snowed in
Bridgewater Public Library
It's a cold winter's day. There's snow in the forecast and snow already on the ground. The telephone rings. Your mom answers it in the kitchen. You listen through the door, too bored with your toys and games to keep playing. What you really want to do is go on an adventure. To explore new lands. To conquer mighty beasts. But nothing exciting ever seems to happen to you.
The kitchen door swings open and your mom appears, holding the phone against her shoulder which meant that whoever had called was still on the line. "Your grandma is on the phone. She wants to know whether you're willing to help her bake some cookies for an annual cookie swap." You are quick to nod your head. Baking cookies with grandma is a lot more fun than sitting around the house doing nothing, that's for sure. And, besides, grandma makes the best cookies in town! The decision is a no-brainer.
So, you throw on your winter jacket, pull on your favorite wool hat, and lace up your snow boots. "Now you be careful getting to grandma's house. Do you have your mittens?"
"Yes, mom," you answer. "Right here. Can I go now?" You are already inching toward the door, belly rumbling at the thought of all the cookies you would eat tonight. And if you were really lucky, grandma would make some hot chocolate, too. Oh, it was going to be awesome!
With your mom's okay, you step outside, letting the door close behind you. The wind nips at your exposed cheeks, painting them red. Maybe you should have grabbed a scarf but it was too late for that now. You have embarked on your journey. Turning back is not an option.
With your head held high, you walk down the front path. Fresh snow falls from the sky, ahead of schedule. It gathers on the pom-pom attached to the top of your hat. You stick out your tongue and catch a few snowflakes. You reach a crossroads, so to speak, and must make a decision. Will you continue on the well-beaten path or take a shortcut?