Time at the Garden Gate

Tavi had put his little red truck in his bag. He was taking it to play at Leo's house. Mum walked beside him along the path. Through the garden gate, he could see the sandpit and two small spades.

Then he saw the dog.

It stood behind the gate, watching them. Last time, it had barked just as Tavi reached for the latch. Its paws had banged against the wood. Its open mouth had been close to his face.

Now the gate seemed much too small to stand between Tavi and all that dog.

Tavi stopped. His tummy squeezed tight. He wanted the sandpit, but he wanted to go home too.

"I'm scared of the dog," he said.

Mum stopped beside him. "That bark surprised you. It makes sense to feel scared."

She held out her hand. Tavi took it.

He tried looking only at the latch. Perhaps he could walk straight through without looking at the dog.