The Goldfish Gulp

The sun was starting to set on the horizon as Peter went in to change for the beach party at the club. He was excited to meet some of the other kids that would be spending their summer on the island. He was still very uncomfortable and felt so new.

As Peter and his parents went out onto the patio where the music was playing, he felt a knot in his stomach again. He was so nervous. What if the kids thought he was dumb? He looked over to see the group of boys coming over to his table.

“Hey, Peter,” called Zack.

“Hey,” answered Peter.

“Come sit with us,” motioned Zack.

Peter joined the group and started laughing and joking with the rest of them. All of a sudden, Zack grabbed a goldfish that was swimming in a bowl on the table. He threw his head back and gulped down the goldfish. Peter was stunned.

“Your turn,” said Zack, motioning to Peter.

Peter looked at the goldfish and replied, “I’m just not much of a fisherman. Thanks, anyway.” The boys laughed at Peter’s joke.

“Whew!” thought Peter. “I survived that one.” But did he want to survive any more? Peter realized that he didn’t want to be a part of this group after all, and slowly meandered back to where his parents were sitting, back where the only fish being eaten were on the dinner plates. For the first time that summer, Peter finally felt at home.