Absolutely

Absolutely

“Have you figured it out yet?” Grampa asked.

“What?” Ben said,

“How you’re gonna get Ralphy.”

“I have Ralphy!”

“You know what I mean, how you’re gonna get your parents to let you keep him. Where is he now anyway?”

“In the garage, they never open the garage doors because there’s no room for a car in there. It’s full of junk. They call it “storage” but nobody goes in there and get things.”

“I know. Some of my stuff is in there now, and I’m kinda afraid to go in and try to find anything.

“I don’t want to keep my dog hidden in the garage for his whole life!”

“Yeah… well, why do you think they are so adamant about you not having a pet?”

“I don’t know really. They always say we’re not home enough with them working, and me in school. Or pet food cost too much. Or a dog is messy… always a reason that means nothing.”

“Well… now that I live here there IS somebody home all day.”

“That’s right! But what if they still say no, for some other stupid reason.”

“Well… how about if I get a dog.”

“How is that gonna help me…?”

“I’ll get a dog named Ralphy! And I’ll tell them I was hoping you could help me with him because I’m so old…”

“So, I’d be taking care of your dog? What if they tell you, you can’t have a dog…?”

“Ben, Ben, Ben… when did your mother ever say no to me?”

“You’re right! I’m so glad you came to live with us! Do you want to come in the garage and meet your new dog?”

“Absolutely!”