Sally Snead

RWW9, Class 8
Ms. Bartz
October, 9 2015
A Stolen Chance
1, 2, 3 12, 13... 22, 25. Next.
1, 2 7, 8 15, 16 20, 21. Next.
I sat quietly in that back of my mothers van, counting the cars in the lots of passing
dealerships. Then, finally, we arrived at Target. I quickly hopped out of the car and hurried over
to my cousin, Cate, not knowing exactly why I was there.
Cate and I held hands while we walked across the parking lot and skipped onto the
sidewalk. I turned and looked back once I reached the door.
Hurry up! How slow could you possibly walk? I asked myself while I waited for my
mother and my sister, Annie, to catch up with us.
We made a few laps around the store, not picking up anything or looking at certain items.
Suddenly, we came to a stop in front of some lamps and side tables. Thats when I saw them.
They way they sparkled and caught the light just right. How the light shades of blue
turned into a deep purple. The shiny, smooth exterior. It was amazing.
All of my friends will love these, they look just like ones from under the tire swing. If I
brought these to school, I would be cool, and everyone would want to be my friend. I need these
marbles, I thought to myself.

When I looked up, Cate, Annie, and my mother were already halfway down the aisle. I
grabbed a marble, shoved it deep into the pocket of my khakis and ran after them, heart beating
faster with every step.
This cant be right, but I dont really care. All my friends are gonna love it. Oh my gosh.
Im so excited. I cant wait for tomorrow, I thought excitedly.
I began constructing a plan in my head. I would keep it in my pocket at school until
recess. Once the time came, I would rush out before everyone else and bury it in the mulch
beneath the tire swing. After everyone came outside, I would unbury the marble and show it to
everyone.
I laughed and galloped down the aisles of Target with Cate for the rest of our trip, feeling
my pocket every now-and-then to make sure the marble was still in my possession. When we
were done shopping, I, once again, hopped into the back seat of the van and rode home,
remaining in my gleeful state of mind. But good things dont last forever.
When we arrived at my house, I walked up the steps and discarded my clothes in front of
the washer and started my bath, completely forgetting about the small stone left in my pocket. I
got out of the bath a few minutes later, put on my PJs, and climbed into my parents bed to
watch TV. I heard a small clicking sound coming from the hallway, but I soon tuned it out and
directed my attention on the Disney show.
Sally, I heard my mother shout from the other room.Can you come here please?
Coming! I shouted back as I threw my feet over the bed and onto the floor.
Whats this? she questioned. I examined the object in her hand, my heart dropping to
the floor. It was my marble. I forgot to take it out of my pocket.
Its a marble, I stated matter-of-factly, hoping she would not question me further.

I know that, but where is it from?

Target. I found it lying next to one of the candles.
I knew it wasnt right the second I placed it in my pocket, but I was so caught up on the
reactions of all my friends that I took it anyway. Regardless of my remorse, I was lectured about
how wrong it was to take the marble.
But, Mom, everyone will want to be my friend if I bring this marble to school. Itll make
me cool, I explained.
A marble doesnt get you friends, Sally. Im driving you back to Target tomorrow and
youre putting the marble back where you found it. End of story.
I slowly began to cry and ran into my room.
How can this be happening? I was so close to bringing it to school. So close, I cried out
between soundless sobs.
The next day I woke up, eyes still burning from the tears I shed the night before. Once I
was fully dressed and had finished breakfast, my mother placed the marble in front of me.
Were going to take it back before you go to school. she demanded in a stern voice. All
I did was give a desolate nod before I grabbed the marble and walk out to the car.
We passed those same car dealerships, but this time I didnt count the cars, only watched
them fly past my steady gaze out the window. When we arrived at Target, I unbuckled my
seatbelt and waited a moment before climbing out, just feeling the marble in my hand. I walked
inside the door and headed straight to the aisle where I found the marble. I quickly placed it in
the dish surrounding the candle along with the other marbles and ran back to my mom who was a
few aisles back.

Im proud of you for bringing it back. That was very grown up of you, my mother
stated with no conviction in her voice.
Thanks, Mommy, I quietly replied
The ride to school was quiet that day: no music, no laughter, no talking, just silence. I
guess, in a way, that was best. I realized that day that no matter what you want in life, it has to be
earned, not taken.