by JB Jones –
Eric stood in front of the TV to get Daddy’s attention. “Daddy, you said we could go outside and play football today.”
Daddy handed Eric the football, eyes still on the TV, he walked him to the door. “I’ll be out as soon as the game is over,” he said. “You go on out. A growing boy needs lots of fresh air.”
Eric kicked a few leaves around. He threw the football high in the sky. He watched as the squirrel’s chased each other in the big oak tree. “It just isn’t any fun without Daddy,” he thought. “Maybe the game is over now.”
He walked over to the window and peeked inside. Daddy was changing the channel with the remote control. Eric didn’t know how to get him away from the TV. He kicked a few more leaves. That gave him an idea. He ran inside and said, “Daddy, shouldn’t we rake the leaves today?”
“That’s a good idea,” said Daddy, still flipping the channels. “Why don’t you get started. I’ll be out soon.”
Eric raked the leaves into a big pile. He took a running leap right into the middle of the pile. The leaves flew all around. “I wish Daddy would come out and have fun with me,” he thought.
Eric went inside again. This time he went through the back door. He gathered up all his strength, ran through the living room, and grabbed the remote. “One, two, three, you can’t tackle me!”
Daddy jumped up and ran after Eric. Daddy tackled Eric right into the pile of leaves. “Gotcha!” he said, laughing and tickling Eric.
“Too late,” Eric said. “Touchdown!”
Daddy picked up the remote control and headed back toward the house.
Eric sat down in the leaves and frowned. “I guess Daddys don’t need fresh air,” he thought.
Just then Daddy came running by with the football. “You didn’t think I’d let you win the game with that touch down, did you?! One, two, three, you can’t tackle me!”
the end.
Question Time
1. Did Eric have fun outside without his dad?
2. How did Eric get his dad’s attention? (Hint: he took something…)
3. Why did Eric’s dad finally come outside?
