Page 29 - Highlights for Children (December 2017)
P. 29
And how was Kevin going to tell you play them a lot. You can’t always
him about it? protect them. The important thing is
A bunch of “maybes” were all Kevin that you told me.”
could think about on the bus home. “You’re not mad?” Kevin asked.
Maybe he could pretend he felt sick. Grandpa pointed to a dent opposite
the one Kevin had made. “This is from
How was Kevin going to tell an accidental bump by a trombone.”
Grandpa about the dent? Next, he pointed to some scratches.
“Got these when I tripped over it
Nah, he didn’t like lying. onstage one night.”
Maybe he could get his baby brother, “So I’m not the only clumsy one
Jace, to take all of Grandpa’s attention. in the family?” Kevin said.
Or maybe Grandpa wouldn’t ask him Grandpa laughed. “Every ding, dent,
to play this time. and scratch can tell a tale,” he said. “If
When Saturday finally arrived, you stick with it, someday you’ll have a
Kevin still hadn’t figured out what trumpet etched with your own stories.”
he was going to do. “Thanks, Grandpa.”
“Hey, Kev. How’re things?” Grandpa Grandpa handed the trumpet back to
asked as he walked in. Kevin. “Now tell me a story with music.”
“Good.” Kevin could have told him Kevin lifted the trumpet and filled
right then, but he froze. the room with happy noise.
After dinner, Grandpa said, “How
about some music, Kevin?” “Got these
“Um . . .” Kevin looked around for when I
Jace, but Mom was giving him a bath.
So Kevin took out the trumpet. He tripped over
played a few classics—“Ode to Joy,” it onstage
“Yankee Doodle,” “Oh, Susanna.” one night.”
Grandpa said, “I think you’re better
than I was at your age.”
Any other time, Grandpa’s praise
would have made Kevin feel great.
But not this time. “I’m sorry about
the dent,” he blurted.
He explained what had happened.
Then Grandpa did something that
surprised Kevin. He smiled and said,
“Instruments become part of you when
