The Change

Teddie

The day was windy when I got out of bed that morning. It howled and shrieked like the world was going to end. I sat up, my eyes tired weary, from staying up til 11:30 like I did every night. I pushed the covers back, and tripped down the wooden stairs, hoping that today's breakfast would be better than cold oatmeal. But it was the same old thing.
"Get eatin," said my ma, "or you'll be hungry. I'll put some strawberries on it for you." She plopped bruised red berries on top of my oatmeal. I loved my ma. She could make the brightest sunshine out of something bad. I plugged my nose and scooped up the oatmeal, saving the strawberries for last.
It is 6:00 in the morning, and the bus comes at 6:30, because we are so far out in the country. We aren't exactly the rich type, not even regularly. We own about 2 acres of land, one with my little house which I love, and one with a little barn with my pony. I know, If I hardly have enough money for school, why have a pony? Well, I worked hard for it. I got my own job, even though I'm only twelve. I love him! His name is Manga, and I love to ride along in the grove next to our house. Manga. Oh no! I forgot to do my chores outside th is morning! I quickly get up from the table, knocking over my oatmeal.
"Oh Teddie, please be careful. Hurry now, the his will be here in 15 minutes!" I slipped on my black rubber boots and sprinted out the door. The wind almost blew me over, and I could here Manga in the small barn. I opened the door, and it made a bang as it hit the side. Manga was upset, and I could see as I opened his stall gate that he was stomping on something, something with fur... My cat!! He wasn't exactly a house cat, but one day he showed up and stayed up in the barn loft. I quickly calmed Manga and scooped up what was left of Pharaoh. That was his name, because it looked as if he ruled the barn. I cradled him in my arms, and raised his chest to my ear. He was gone. I sat in a corner, by the hay stacks, and cried silently. I loved him, even though he hardly ever came to me unless I had food. He fascinated me, like all animals did. After about ten minutes, I heard the bus come onto my rocky drive way. I didn't care. I stood up and tucked Pharaoh up in the loft. Then I quickly watered Manga and gave him hay, and patted him slightly on his black beautiful head. I will never know why he had done that to Pharaoh, and I'll never want to. I shut the gate door and turned my head slightly toward Manga. I knew he was sorry. I really did.