Mario looked up at the ceiling and saw a showdown rush by. It was quiet. An owl hooted and flew to the window. He stood there with big eyes. Mario felt a chill down his spine. The owl hooted again. Mario sat up on the bed and looked at the owl. He just stood there, almost as if he was waiting for something. Mario stood up and walked to the window. The owl didn't even flinch. He just stood there watching. Mario cracked the window. The owl just sat there with his big eyes. Mario opened the window all the way and then slowly sat back down on the bed. The owl was silent as he flew in and landed at the head of the bed. Mason was still up and he heard Mario get back in bed. He opened his eyes and say up. He turned to see Mario petting the owl. Mason sat there in awe. The owl turned to look at Mason then flew back out the window.
"How did you get the bird to come in here?" Mason asked as he stood up then sat at the end of his bed.
"I don't know. He just came in on his own." Mario said as he layed back down on the bed. He shut his eyes and fell right asleep. It was a ruff day.
Chapter 9: Work
Mario woke up to birds chirping. Mason was already up and in the shower. Mario got us and went downstairs. Alesa was making eggs and Adam was reading a book.
"Good morning Mario." Alesa said with a smile.
"Good morning." Mario said as he sat down at the table.
He could really get used to this. Then he remembered what happened to his mom. He sat down at the table.
"Did you sleep well?" Alesa asked as she put a plate in front of Mario.
"Good, I saw an owl last night." Mario said as Adam put his book down.
"Really?" Adam said as Mason ran down the stairs and sat at the table.
"Yep, and Mario got to touch it." Mason said in excitement.
"There's actually a legend about an owl that watches over kids. The legend states that if the owl lets you touch him he will protect everyone that you know and love for all eternity." Alesa said with a smile on her face, "But it's just a legend." She said as she put an egg on everyone's plate.
As Mario and Mason finished up their food, they ran outside to a garden. The garden was full of tomatoes, flowers, carrots, and anything you could think of. Mario was surprised that he didn't notice the garden before. Mason's grandma was watering the tomatoes.
"Wanna help?" Mason asked as he picked up a watering can
"Sure."
Mason handed Mario a watering can and started to water the carrots.
"Go talk to my grandma. She'll tell you what to water."
Mario carefully walked over to Mason's grandma being carful not to step on the plants.
"There's three sections to the garden. The crops, the flowers, and the babies. You get the flower section which is on the left." Mason's grandma said as she pointed to the part of the garden with many beautiful flowers.
Mario walked over to the flower section, grabbed the watering can, then started to water the flowers. He saw too many to count. He say orchids, daisies, roses, tulips, and sunflowers, but those were just the ones he could name. After he was done he put the watering can on the ground and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
"Boys go inside and drink some water." Adam said as he was leaving the house.
Mason hugged him and said,
"See you tonight dad."
Adam walked down the path until he disappeared around a corner. Mario and Mason went inside and chugged a big cup of water.
"That's just the beginning Mario. We have a ton more stuff to do." Mason said as he went outside to the chicken coop.
They worked all day, feeding the chickens, cleaning the cage for the bunny out back, picking weeds, and washing the dishes. They finished in time for lunch. They ate sandwiches for lunch then went up to Mason's room. Mason pulled out a box from under his bed and said,
"I'm going to show you something but you promise not to tell anyone, ok?" Mason said as he stood up and looked Mario straight in the eyes.
Mario nodded his head in agreement.
Chapter 10: The shop
Mason opened the box, and to his surprise, a puppy was sleeping. It was brown with black around eye. It had curly fur and was tiny. So tiny it could probably fit in his pocket.
"Now, you promised you wouldn't tell." Mason said as he put the lid back on the box and placed it back under his bed.
"His name is Rico." Mason continued, "I found him in a box beside the school. The box was soaked, so I brought him home. Mom and Dad already have enough to do so I didn't tell them. But since you have a dog already I was hoping you could take him." Mario was silent for a bit then said,
"Cloe isn't my dog. I found her while on my way here."
Then Mario remembered that he made Mario told
