Molly’s Book Excerpt
From Molly Saves the Day
“I liked the way camp was before,” said Molly. “I don’t see why we have to mess everything up and go capturing flags.”
“Especially in canoes,” added Susan.
Linda shook her head. “The Color War is just a game. It’s supposed to be fun, not something to worry about. I mean, if we were going off to a real war or something, then I cold see being worried and scared.”
Molly nodded. “My dad told us he was scared before he went away to war,” she said. “But he said it was okay to be scared because that meant he had a chance to be brave.”
“Well, maybe this Color War will give us a chance to be brave,” said Linda. “If you can do something you’re scared to do, then you’re brave.”
“That’s easy for you to say,” said Susan. “You’re not scared of canoeing like I am or swimming underwater like Molly is.”
“Yeah,” said Molly, “you’re not scared of anything.”
“Oh, yes I am,” said Linda.
“Like what?” asked Susan.
“Well,” said Linda, “it’s really stupid but I’m scared of creepy crawly things, like spiders and bugs. Worms are the worst.” Linda moved her fingers like wiggling worms and made a face so that Molly and Susan had to laugh. “Slimy worms! Ugh! I hate them!”
“Really?” said Molly. It cheered her up to know that Linda was scared of something sort of silly, like worms.
“Yes, really,” said Linda. “But at least I can joke about it. You don’t see me lying awake at night worrying about it. So don’t you two worry about Dorinda, or canoes, or swimming underwater. Don’t take this Color War so seriously. It won’t last forever, right?”
“Right,” said Molly and Susan.
“Okay,” said Linda. She rolled over and pulled her blankets up to her chin. “Go to sleep and that’s an order!”
“Yes, sir!” giggled Susan. She rolled over and closed her eyes.
Molly turned off her flashlight and closed her eyes, but she didn’t follow the order. She didn’t fall asleep for a long, long time. Linda wasn’t worried about the Color War, but Molly still was. Maybe the Color War would be her big chance to be brave. But she wondered if she really wanted that chance.
