Richard: Actually, I was kind of hoping you could help me with that, producing several sheet of paper. These are the ones I like the best. But I can’t decide which of them to
send.
Mrs. Hansen read Richard’s poems and had something nice to say about each one. But her favourite was one that he had written the last fall during a thunderstorm. Richard blushed deeply as she read it aloud.
The sky is wrapped in gloom,
There is no sun today.
The cloud are full of thunder.
The blue has gone away.
Lightning throws down spears,
As bright as firelight.
The sky is shedding tears,
It’s raining hard tonight.
Mrs. Hansen: Oh, I like that very much. It sounds almost like something Mr. Kilmer would write. Yes I think this is the one you should send. Richard, would you be willing to share these letters with the class?
Richard: I don’t know. I ‘m not sure I can do that.
Mrs. Hansen: I understand how you feel. This letter you wrote is rather personal, and I respect your feelings. Well, perhaps you and Mr. Kilmer will exchange more letters. Would you consider reading some parts of them to the class later on?
Richard: Maybe.
Mrs. Hansen: And I’d love for you to read some of your own poetry to everybody. Whenever you feel ready, that is.
Richard: Okay, Mrs. Hansen. Thanks for all your help.
As he left the school building, Richard found Hannah outside. She seemed to be waiting for him.
Hannah: I want to talk to you, Richie. I owe you an apology. I heard what had happened in class yesterday-how you were the only one who signed the card. That was very brave of you. And very kind.
Richard: It was not really anything.
Hannah: Oh, it was. And I shouldn’t have been so rude. I’m really sorry.
Richard: I can understand how you felt.
They walked together away from the school building.
Hannah: After you let yesterday, some of our neighbours came to the tavern. They had buckets and paintbrushes with them. They painted over all those awful...