Palmers Burden

 In class, we are studying a book called 'Wringer' by Jerry Spinelli. I am writing from the third-person perspective of Palmer revealing to his fried Dorothy that he has a pigeon. This piece of writing helps me improve in my showing not telling. Enjoy!

As Palmer paced back and forth in my bedroom he realized that he couldn’t bear the burden of Nipper

alone. Who would I tell? Palmer thought to himself. Dorothy’s sentence echoed in the back of his mind.

Why are you doing this to me? Dorothy Gruzik. The girl he targeted yet the girl he had sat on the swings

with that fateful day 5 years ago. Could I trust her? Should I trust her? I could and I should he silently thought. She wasn’t a target; she was a friend. Realization dawned over him. The sun slowly

set over the horizon and he was too impatient to wait until tomorrow. “I’ll be back soon mum,” he said as

he rushed down the stairs and flew out the door. “Bu-” his mother’s response was cut short as Palmer

shut the door and submerged himself into the last faint glows of sun rays.

He raced across the road and jumped over Dorothy’s prized hopscotch squares that were filled with ridiculous drawings. Palmer stepped up onto the threshold of her house and contemplated his choices. What if she’s still mad, he thought. Finally, mustering the little courage he had left inside of him he rang the doorbell. “Coming,” Dorothy said oblivious to who was standing outside. The oak door opened and her eyes fell on Palmer. Dorothy’s face illuminated with joy at the sight of seeing him. Palmer burst out saying, “I have a pigeon.” His burden was lightened.