THE HERO
© 2002 Lorraine Dahl
Evin was a loving 6-year-old boy who lived with his single mom and 3-year-old sister, Lynn, in a small town in Texas. Their mother, Amber, worked hard to raise good, obedient children as she remembered the terror she had been as a child. She taught Evin to look after his little sister.
As Amber had to work to provide for the family there was a sitter, Nita. She watched Lynn all day and Evin when he came home from school. She was a strict but loving caretaker. Amber trusted her completely.
Nita prepared nourishing meals and kept the house clean. She also looked after their 7-year-old dog, Cujo, who was part pit bull. Cujo was protective of the entire family.
The normal schedule was a snack for the children when Evin arrive home from school. Dinner was at five when Amber came home. Nita always joined them for dinner.
One sunny afternoon, Evin and Lynn were sitting on the front steps of their house, enjoying ice cream cones that Nita had made for their snack. Cujo loved ice cream and whined for some but there was only enough for the children. While he ate his cone, Evin was tossing Cujo’s bone and Cujo was fetching and eagerly bringing it back for another toss. Evin didn’t notice when Lynn tottered down the steps and into the busy street.
On hearing a horn blowing and the screeching of brakes, Evin looked up to see Lynn in the street and a large truck bearing down on her. Before Evin could react, Cujo darted past him into the street. Cujo snatched Lynn’s shirt in his mouth and pulled her to the safety of the curb.
Nita rushed out and scooped up Lynn and hugged her. Evin hugged Cujo and held his ice cream cone so Cujo could enjoy it down to the last luscious bite.
