Edward's Dilemma by Paul Adan Read Free Book Online Page B

his dad, but for some reason he was having a hard time responding to his dad’s greeting.  Why can’t I speak?  What’s wrong with me? he thought.  Frustration clouded his mind.  No matter how hard he tried, the words would not come out.  Speak, you idiot.  Speak!!   Suddenly, he was afraid.  Over and over again, Edward tried to untangle the words that were wrestling around in his mouth – but to no avail.  I’m – I’m – fine – good – I’m doing good.   Finally, after a herculean effort, the words he’d been looking for were evicted from his mouth.
    “Doing – I’m doing good.  It hasn’t hit me yet.”
    His dad looked at him rather oddly, but before he could say anything, Edward’s mom beckoned for the both of them to come to the table.  As they approached their respective chairs, his dad patted him on his shoulder, and whispered in his ear.
    “Hey, Edward, I got you something really neat for your birthday.  Just don’t go wav’n it around in front of your mother.”  He gave Edward a wink and a smile.  “Here’s a hint: Its got a blade that’s about six inches long.  Even Daniel Boone would have been happy to get this gift.”
    “SLAM!”
    His mother dropped the heaping plate of pancakes onto the floor.  Startled by the sound, Edward was jarred awake.  Just as quickly, however, he retreated back into the world of his dreams...
     
    ♦   ♦   ♦
     
    “HEY, JERRY, do you wanna go to the lake this afternoon?”  Edward was wearing a T-shirt and shorts.  In one hand he carried a fishing pole, and in the other a tackle box.  The summer air was hot and humid.
    “Sure, why not?” Jerry replied.  “I’m kinda bored right now, anyway.  And, I’m roast’n.”
    Edward and Jerry had been friends since the previous summer.  The two of them would frequently go to the lake to cool off, and hang out.  Sometimes they’d go fishing while they were there, but they seldom caught anything very big.  Whatever they did catch, they’d usually toss it back into the lake.   Sometimes, if they were too lazy to dig for worms, they’d cut up a little fish that they’d caught and use it for bait.
    “Well, hurry up and get your pole.  I’ve got my knife, so don’t worry about bringing yours.”  Edward’s knife had been a prized possession since the day it was given to him.  Whenever he went to the lake, or camping, his knife was always with him.  His mom still didn’t like the fact that her son owned a big hunting knife, but his dad had always reassured her that owning a knife was a regular part of a boy’s ‘teenage experience.’”
    The two boys tromped off to the lake.  As usual, Jerry was in the lead.  Along the way, a contest ensued over who could kick a rock the furthest.  Strangely, one of the rocks Edward kicked turned into a soccer ball as it sailed off into the distance.  When they finally arrived, Jerry plopped himself down on the grass.  The hot weather had taken a toll on his enthusiasm for fishing.  Now, all that he wanted to do was hang out.  Without much effort, he convinced Edward to do the same.
    “Jerry, hand me that stick over there,” Edward said as he pointed with his finger.  Next to Jerry was a big stick – that turned into a snake, and then back into a stick.  Edward was momentarily frightened.
    “Why do you like whittling on a stick, so much?” Jerry asked.  “You’re like some country hick.”
    “I don’t know; I find it relaxing, I guess.”
    “Well, when you’re done, hand me the knife.  I wanna see if I can carve something.”  Jerry stretched out on the ground, and covered his face with his baseball cap.
    Fifteen minutes later, Edward handed the knife to Jerry.  But just as Jerry was about to grab the handle, a boat raced by and created a “swoosh” of cold air.
    Edward adjusted his blanket and covered an exposed shoulder.  A purple cat ambled over and sat on his stomach.  Its’ breath smelled like