"The Mystery of the Cactus Arm"

Oliver doesn’t think he can break the cactus arm.

Oliver’s dad wants to take the arm down himself.

Oliver doesn’t want to get a wasp sting.

Oliver’s parents are trying to save the arm.

Calvin is Oliver’s next-door neighbor, and Oliver is afraid Calvin will play tricks on him.

Calvin offers Oliver 15 dollars, and Oliver wants Calvin to stop teasing him.

complaining

speaking

teasing

gossiping

a few weeks

two or three days

several months

a hundred years

disappointed

exhausted

satisfied

frightened

“I start counting the seconds between the flashes and booms.”

“More storms roll in that night as I lie wide awake in bed.”

“I run back to my bed, my heart leaping in my chest, the thunder rattling the window.”

“Calvin hands me the 15 dollars as we walk to the bus stop the next morning.”

convinces Calvin to stop betting with him

promises to make things right

makes a bet with Calvin

breaks off the cactus arm

“And no more whispers.”

“I reach down, pull the 15 dollars out of my pocket, and tell the park ranger, ‘I’d like to donate.’”

“I take the money and wipe sweat from my forehead . . .”

“I explain the whole story about Calvin and the bet.”