Inspiration: Little Boy with a Slingshot
Every weekend Alex would go and visit Farmer Jo as he and his family were great friends with Jo. Alex often would bring his good friend Ash. Alex was always respectful to Farmer Jo. He thanked him for the food and the hospitality every time he went over. However, Ash didn’t treat Farmer Jo in the same way. She would make fun of him, of how old he was, how slowly he moved, and she would play tricks on Farmer Jo.
One day, both Alex and Ash were playing outside near the farm. It began to pour with rain which forced the two to make their way back inside. As Alex and Ash were on their way back, Ash stated, “Farmer Jo better have some delicious hot chocolate prepared for us!” Alex gave Ash a look of disgust as if he couldn’t believe what she said.
They finally made it back to the farm and Farmer Jo was there to let them in. He opened the door for Alex and said, “Come in my boy. Use that towel to dry yourself off.”
He let Alex in and Ash shouted, “Get me inside! I hate the rain!”
Suddenly, Farmer Jo stopped Ash from going inside, “You are going to stay outside on my porch until you figure out what you have done wrong.”
Farmer Jo then closed the door and began to make hot chocolate for Alex. Ash sat on his porch thinking in the cold heavy rain. It was loud but peaceful. It may have been cold rain, but it helped Ash think about what he had done wrong.
She realized that Farmer Jo was being very kind to Alex, and wondered why. Alex would thank Farmer Jo for everything and that’s why he let Alex in. That’s why Ash was sitting on the porch. If you treat someone poorly, you will get that same treatment back, whether it’s from the same person or not.
The pouring rain soon subsided and Ash knocked on the door. Farmer Jo opened the door to see Ash shivering and without hesitation, Ash said, “I have had a good long think about why I was told to sit out here. I am truly sorry for how I have treated you, you deserve more respect.”
Farmer Jo let Ash in and told her to sit down. He then brought her a warm blanket and hot chocolate. Alex’s mood brightened as he saw that Ash’s attitude had changed.
