National Adult Literacy Database

October 5, 2009

This week, we have a story from Cambridge, Ontario. The author, Patty Cantwell, is enrolled in literacy classes and tutoring at the Literacy Group of Waterloo Region. She wrote this short story that will keep you guessing... until the next installment.

Turnaround (Part 1)

by Patty Cantwell

It was a muggy summer night about 11pm in downtown Cambridge when Jenna came out of her apartment building to take her dog, Zeus for his evening walk. She looked down the street and saw a guy coming towards her. Suddenly Zeus began yanking on the leash to get to the guy. "Heel", screamed Jenna. But Zeus kept pulling on the leash. The guy stopped walking. As Jenna got closer she recognized him from her building, she remembered that his name was Kevin. Kevin was just getting off work from his job as a security guard. He asked Jenna, what are you doing out so late? "I'm taking my dog for his walk," said Jenna. "Would you like to go with me,? said Kevin. "Sure," said Jenna. "Do you like taking your dog for a walk?" said Kevin. "Yes" said Jenna. They started walking over the bridge. Two guys that Kevin knew were coming towards them. Suddenly Zeus began pulling on the leash and barking. "It's getting late," said Jenna, "Zeus and I are going to head back home".

Kevin decided to go with his friends for coffee. As Kevin and his friends were walking towards Tim Hortons they noticed a car driving really slowly by them. Once inside they all ordered coffee and sat down in a far corner. The car pulled up and the passenger got out wearing a mask. He walked towards the door, he opened the door and moved quickly towards the counter. He showed the frightened girl a knife and demanded money. Kevin and Cane and Michael sat frozen in disbelief. Kevin was thinking that this a good time to have a friend for a cop and that is who Cane is. Quietly Cane stood up and walked towards the robber. All of a sudden the robber turned around and saw Cane coming towards him. Cane kicked at his hand that was holding the knife and the knife went flying and hit Michael in the stomach. Meanwhile Kevin was frantically calling 911. Michael hit the floor and Cane tackled the robber. In the distance they could hear the police sirens screeching. The girl behind the counter was shaking. The robber was on the ground with Cane holding onto him. Cane looked over and saw Michael hurt with a knife in his gut. Kevin was still on the phone with the cops. Just then the cops arrived and rushed in and arrested the robber. Kevin went in the ambulance with Michael. He was taken to the hospital. Cane went to the police station to fill out the police report. Meanwhile the robber has been taken to the police station. Cane talked to him and asked him why??? The robber told him that he was desperate for money as his mom needed surgery. The police charged him with attempted robbery and assault with a weapon.

Part 2 | Part 3

[This story was taken with permission, from Expressions 2009, an e-magazine published by Laubach Literacy Ontario.]