The Runaway Rabbit

Berto was hopping and skipping down the street one cloudy and windy morning. It was a holiday and he didnt have to go to school. As Berto passed by their neighbor Alices house Alice called out to him, Hey Berto I can see that youre enjoying the holiday already. Where are you running to? Oh just down the street to Mr. Reyes store. I was thinking of getting myself a cupcake. Oh really? Alice said. I was just about to go there myself, I want to buy that new puzzle game. Alright Ill race you down the street Berto said. And so the two friends jogged down the windy sidewalk. Uh oh, we better run faster Berto, its starting to rain, we dont want to get drenched do we? Alice cried. The two friends ducked into Mr. Reyes store. Oh my, this rain is ruining our holiday, Berto said as he munched on a cupcake and looked out at the big raindrops pattering on the street. Yeah, Alice said, Now all we can do is stay inside the store and wait for it to stop. So she and Berto just whiled the time away looking at the candies in their jars and the toys on their shelves. Just then Alice shouted in surprise. Look behind you Berto, a rabbit! A rabbit right on our street, how about that! Berto said as he picked up the brown furry creature. Careful with that animal children Mr. Reyes said it could bite you you know. Oh dont worry about it Mr. Reyes, it seems gentle enough, Alice chuckled. Yes and its cuddly too, Berto said.I wonder where it came from. I think it came from that new shop next door, you better take it back there kids, Mr. Reyes said. And so the children carried the furry brown animal to the next store, dodging the raindrops all the while. Berto and Alice entered a strange and wondrous place. In the middle of the sore stood a small green leafy tree planted in a large pot. Perched on a branch and tied to it by a long orange tree was a small gray monkey nibbling on some peanuts. Pleasant twitterings and shrill caws filled their ears as the birds in their cages along the walls chorused on what sounded like a hip hop song. There were green parrots with red bills, quail in various shades of brown and orange, dark blue sparrows , and deep brown mayas all flitting about their enclosures. On the

shelves were several aquariums each holding multi colored fishes. The children gaped at big yellow carp, silver spotted goldfish and sleek black mollies. There were also sword tales in mottled hues of tangerine, blue and green. The main attraction were two white baby sharks circling in a little pond by the corner. Tiger striped kittens, plump spotted puppies and large ash furred rabbits played, lounged or slept inside their cages.Why, its like a little forest in here! said Alice. Hey look papa those two kids have Arhibald! a little girl cried. It seems that you found Christys little bunny rabbit you kids, said a tall man, Shes been looking all over the shop for him. Yes, Berto said, he hopped over to Mr. Reyes store. E came here to give him back to you sir. How nice of you, the man said, By the way I am Mr. Martinez, I own this pet shop and this is my daughter Christy. It must be nice to be around all these interesting animals all day Mr. Martinez, Berto said. Well it sure is, rep;ied Mr. Martinez but I also have to work hard taking care of them and cleaning their cages and containers. Thanks again for gving us Archibald back. I have something for you kids inside this box. Take turns keeping it. Its easy enough to care for. Thanks Mr. Martinez, Alice said, but we must be going now. Its going to be lunchtime soon. Okay kids, youre welcome to drop by anytime. Tell your friends and neighbors that there is a wonderful new shop in town. After the children went out the door, they opened the box Mr. Martinez gave them. Why look, Berto there is a nice little green turtle in the box! Alice cried with glee. What name will we call it? Just then the sun broke through the clouds and a rainbow painted the sky in dazzling red, orange green and indigo shades. Hey take a look at that, a rainbow! chortled Berto. How about calling the turtle Rainbow? Hmm thats a very nice name. Lets take Rainbow to its new home now. And the two children gaily walked with their new pet home.