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When the daffodils begin to
bloom in the highlands, it is a sure sign that rain is going to be pouring
for the next several weeks. When Malcolm heard raindrops spattering
against the living room window he ran over and looked outside. There were
the daffodils, bright yellow, trumpeted flowers, nodding as the wind blew
them about. "Rain," Malcolm thought, walking back to his spot in front of
the fire and lying back down.
Angus MacScot was reading
the evening paper. "Sounds like the rain’s coming down hard," he said.
Malcolm looked up at him. "Spring always brings a lot of rain, but its
part of our life here, isn’t it boy." Malcolm wagged his black furry tail.
"Good thing we’re in the house. Think of your friend, Paddy. He’s stuck
outside during all kinds of weather, day and night. He must not enjoy this
rain."
Malcolm thought about
Paddy. He pictured him standing under a newly budded tree, trying not to
get wet. Malcolm shivered; lay his head on his front paws and fell asleep.
The next morning, the sun
was out. Heavy gray clouds were on the horizon. The air smelled fresh and
the grass was covered with drops that glistened in the sunlight. Malcolm
ran outside through his special hole in the back door. He ran around and
stretched his legs and then went into the front garden. He sniffed the
daffodils and watched two butterflies fluttering about, sipping the
morning dew from the yellow petals.
A thought of Paddy came to
his mind. He trotted up the dirt lane towards the Irish setter’s place. As
he approached he could see Paddy running around, barking happily. Malcolm
was curious. He ran up to the whitewashed wooden gate and peeked through
the slats. Paddy was getting a new doghouse. It was large, as Paddy was a
big dog. The doghouse was made of hard plastic. Paddy was excited. He ran
around, jumping up on his master, anxious to have it put together.
Malcolm pushed the gate
open and went into the front garden. The grass was covered with lemon
yellow buttercups. Paddy ran towards him barking, very excited. They went
over to the doghouse. It had a red roof and tan sides and front. It had
the word PADDY painted on it. Paddy was very proud. He climbed inside to
show Malcolm how well he fit inside. Malcolm tried to squeeze in with him
but there wasn’t enough room. Paddy came out and let him go in. It seemed
big and roomy to Malcolm.
Paddy had so much energy.
He brought a blue rubber ball and dropped it in front of Malcolm. Malcolm
picked it up and ran into the bushes with it. Paddy chased him. For a long
time they played hide and seek with the ball, but then it started to rain.
The sky seemed to open up. Malcolm and Paddy ran to the doghouse. Paddy
ran inside. Malcolm couldn’t fit inside. He was drenched. He barked and
ran home, went in through his little door and shook himself off. He sat
down in front of the warm fire, listening to the heavy rain. Malcolm was
glad he was in his house, safe and warm. He thought of Paddy, but didn’t
worry about him anymore. He had a doghouse now! |
