My Scariest Moment
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By age 12, I felt I could handle a trip to get ice cream all by myself. Of course, I forgot two important things: I was in a strange city, and it was well after dark. Probably Baltimore, Maryland wasn't much different than my own little hometown.

I grabbed the money off my parents' dresser and cheerfully skipped out of the room. While strolling down the sidewalk, I spotted the ice cream sign just around the corner past the moonlit pool.

I felt very brave going out by myself until I heard footsteps behind me. I was too scared to ask, "Who's there?" I walked faster and faster, but the foot-steps came closer and closer. "Only a few more feet until I reach the safety of the doorway," I thought.

Out of breath from hurrying, I charged into the ice cream shop. My face was red and my eyes showed the terror I felt. Before I could shout, "Call the police," the door creaked open. I spun around and my Dad asked, "Why didn't you slow down? I decided to join you and had to practically run to catch you!" "Oh, Dad," I said. "Now you tell me!"

On our way back to the room, I have to admit I was happy to have someone with me. Maybe I'm still a kid after all.

My Scariest Moment Questions:

1. Q: Why did the child feel able to get ice cream all by herself?
   Answers:
    a. She could see the sign a short distance away.   OR

   b. She forgot she was far away from home, and it was dark.

    

2. Q: Explain why the girl was happy to have her Dad walk back to the motel with her.

   Answer: She was so scared on the way over, she was happy to have company.

3. Compare how the girl and the father felt on the way to get ice cream and why.