
Lucy And I by Jessiy Gao (age 15)
coordinator for Weifang Gaoxin Jinma School: Phoebe Chen Jinglin
school: Weifang Gaoxin Jinma School
Weifang, China
Lucy And I
By Jessiy Gao
Lucy is a puppy. She is not only a birthday present but also an exceptional friend. Whenever I think of her, my heart is always full of gratitude and guilt. Do you want to know the story between Lucy and me? Get ready, please……
Morning, there were no clouds, and there was silence outside the window, only the sound of cold wind. What a fantastic day! Immediately, I got up and rushed into the living room with a bright smile on my face.
‘Happy birthday, sweetheart!’
Grandma gathered me in her arms, beaming with joy. Then, she pulled me to the table, put me a sausage, and said, ‘Eat something, we are going out soon.’
‘Go where?’
‘Secret!’
‘Alright.’ I shrugged and continued to eat my sausage……
Half an hour later, we arrived at a pet shop. There I stood still, with my mind empty.
‘Surprise!’ Grandma said excitedly,’ I remember you wanted a puppy long ago, right? You can choose a puppy you like as your birthday present.’
I jumped at the fence, looking at the face of each puppy. Some of them were playing, some were sleeping, and a few were immersed in the delight of eating. My eyes were on a puppy in the corner, which had dig eyes. A wave of warmth swept over my heart when she looked at me.
‘I want it.’
That’s it. I had my puppy. On the way home, looking at my dear puppy, I couldn’t be happier. I had completely fallen for it.
‘What do you want to call it?’
‘Emm, she’s a girl.’ I said, watching the puppy playing on the ground,’ How about Lucy? It’s a sweet name, I think. It suits her well.’
‘Your name is Lucy, honey, remember.’
‘Lucy, come here!’
‘Lucy, Lucy, Lucy!’
Several times later, Lucy finally remembered her name. How happy I was! We bought her dog food and a comfortable bed. Grandma even made her a lovely blanket.
‘Well, welcome to our home, Lucy!’
Traditional Activity
Ok, readers, you’ve known Lucy. Now I’m going to tell you some little stories. First, let’s talk about the traditional activity—taking a nap.
‘Lucy, where are you? Time to take a nap!’
After lunch, I called to her as I strolled around the room. Finally, I found her in the kitchen, walking around at my grandma’s feet, trying to ask for more food. I approached her quietly and suddenly picked her up. Lucy was too scared to move (I guess I don’t understand why she didn’t move). I took her out of the kitchen and threw her up and down.
‘Don’t treat your puppy like that, honey!’
‘Don’t worry, Grandma. She’s fine!’
It was true. Lucy soon fell asleep in my arms, sleeping like an angel. Slowly, I walked to the sofa, put Lucy on the blanket I prepared, and sat beside her, staring at her sleeping face. Her feet were very soft and comfortable, but I couldn’t touch them when she was awake. So this was a great chance. I pinched her feet carefully, no response, so I pinched again—It was fantastic!
After the little action, I started to watch TV. In order not to disturb her sleep, I turned down the voice. I enjoyed the delight which Lucy gave me.
‘Do you want some fruits or a cup of water? ’Grandma walked into the living room and asked,’ you’ve been like this for an hour!’
‘Shh—Lucy is sleeping! I want an apple, love you!’
Away Grandma walked, whispering something. Two hours later, Lucy got up, and the angel became the demon. There was a lot of running, barking, and shouting.
‘Oh, please stop her from making noise. I want a rest!’
‘Sorry, Grandma. Let me catch you, little naughty!’
‘Let my slipper go, Lucy. P U T down!’
That’s what she liked when she woke up. Now, do you know why I wanted her to take a nap?
A Dog Bell
Dogs are cute with dog bells; also, dog bells can keep them safe. So I wanted to buy Lucy a little dog bell. But it didn’t work.
‘Lucy, where are you?’
‘Grandma, do you know where Lucy is? I can not find her!’
……Many times later, we decided to buy a bell for Lucy. Luckily, there was a new pet shop near our community. Put on the coat, picked up Lucy, open the door—Let’s go!
The cold December underestimated me. The strong wind blew my face like a knife—Oh my god! Looking at the puppy running around me, I suddenly bent down and picked her up. As I expected, she was a great hand warmer.
‘You are such a little angle.’ I said gently,’ you are so warm.’
‘Don’t hold her for too long, honey. she’s quite heavy now.’
‘Don’t worry; I’m strong enough to hold her. Trust me!’
In this way, we walked to the pet shop (Secretly tell you, she was heavy). Maybe it was because of seeing the same kind. Lucy looked very excited. I had to tighten the rope to keep her still. I looked through different types of bells. There were so many kids that I couldn’t make a choice.
Finally, I got one. It was tiny, just like Lucy. It was simple, just like Lucy. It was also the most charming, just like Lucy. It was fit!
‘Excuse me. I want this one.’
‘Ok, twenty yuan, please.’
I tried many times to put the bell on her on the way home but failed. I didn’t know why, so I stopped for a while and tried again when I got home but failed again.
‘Grandma, why doesn’t she like the bell? It’s beautiful, I think.’
‘Calm down. Think for a while, and maybe you’ll find the answer.’
‘Fine, I’ll try later.’
I think I have tried many times.
It didn’t work.
Why such a lovely and docile puppy could be so disobedient! I still don’t understand why she didn’t like the bell. But I wouldn’t force it. I just wanted her to be happy.
‘Lucy, where are you?’
Wear New Clothes For the New Year
‘Wear new clothes for the new year.’ It’s an old saying. It’s also a tradition in the Spring Festival. Do you want to see what she looks like in her new clothes?
The Spring Festival was coming! There were songs and lanterns everywhere. My parents and I walked into the shopping mall to buy new clothes for me. Walking out with a new look, I suddenly saw a pet shop, saying new pet clothes’. An idea came into my mind……
‘Mum, don’t you think we should buy Lucy new clothes for the Spring Festival?’
‘Well, let’s have a look.’
I came in, beaming with success. But when I saw different sizes of clothes, I froze. I didn’t know the size! How stupid was I! In the end, I had to go home with nothing but a heart full of guilt.
‘Why do you look so sad, honey?’ Grandma asked.
I told her about buying clothes.
‘Why didn’t you tell me earlier, you silly boy! I can sew her new clothes, and they will be the most beautiful ones, I promise.’
I jumped at her and hugged her tightly,’ Thank you, Grandma! Thank you—Lucy, you are going to have new clothes!’
After several day’s careful sewing, the clothes were finished. I can’t tell you how great the clothes were and how cute Lucy was in the clothes because I cannot write. There was only one problem: Lucy couldn’t move in the clothes. Maybe the clothes weren’t fit. Perhaps she hadn’t adapted yet. Anyway, she looked like a turtle with four feet in the sky! We all laughed.
After dinner, Dad took out his camera and said excitedly,’ Do you want to take a photo with Lucy? It will be very memorable.’
It was the most precious gift. Ever!
Away
Happiness is always short. But the satisfaction between Lucy and me is too fast that it’s difficult to accept.
It was an ordinary evening on a typical day. I was playing with Lucy in the parking lot. Grandma was playing cards with her friends. But somehow Lucy jumped up and bit my hand! I was so scared that I couldn’t say a word. Grandma sensed something was wrong.
‘Hey! Why don’t you…….’
She stopped with her mouth open. ’What happened to your hand?!’
I couldn’t remember what I said, perhaps nothing. I was dragged home and into the bathroom without saying a word. After cleaning my hand after a long time, I was back in the living room. Lucy was standing beside me.
‘Grandma, listen to me…….’
‘I don’t want any excuses. I want to know why she bit you!’ shouting angrily.
‘I don’t know! But it’s not a big pro—‘
‘No! It is a problem. You need a rabies vaccine! You may get ill! I’m going to call your parents. we can’t keep the dog anymore!’
Every word she said pierced my heart like a knife. Half an hour later, my parents came, and it began to rain.
‘You have two choices: You give the dog away, or I will throw it out. I don’t care if it lives or dies!’
Father advised her for a long time but failed. We had to give Lucy away. On the way to my father’s friend, we remained silent. I sat silently, hugging Lucy tightly. After a long time, Father said softly,’ Uncle Xu is very kind. He will take care of Lucy. She will be fine!’
‘……’
‘Don’t be so sad.’ Mother said,’ Lucy don’t want you to be like this.’
I didn’t reply. They didn’t understand my feelings. I was so scared to lose her!
Lucy was gone. I dared not look into her eyes when she left. An unspeakable sense of sadness surged into my heart. But I didn’t cry. Lucy couldn’t see that. She should have a happy life, but not a life full of pain.
Goodbye Lucy!
It has been four years since Lucy left. But I can’t stop missing her. She is not only a pet; she is a rare friend, an unforgettable memory. The past few months with her have been my best time. Thank you, Lucy. You are my best friend forever!
