The Blanket Guard

Fifi spread the red blanket under the big oak tree. 'Guard it while we get the food, ' said Mom. 'I will!' Fifi sat up straight.

Momo sniffed the blanket. 'What if you want to play?' he asked. 'Then I will still guard it, ' Fifi said. 'A promise is a promise.'

Across the park, Lina was on the swings. 'Come swing with me, Fifi!' she called. Fifi's feet wanted to run. Momo whimpered, 'But we promised.'

Then a squirrel dashed onto the blanket. Momo yipped and spun in a circle. Fifi laughed and sat back down. 'I promised I would guard it, Momo. I'll stay.' She waved to Lina from the blanket.

Mom and Dad came back with a basket. 'You kept the blanket safe!' Mom said. Fifi nodded proudly. 'I sat here the whole time, even when it was hard.'

Mom handed Fifi a big, cool strawberry. She took a bite, and the sweet juice dripped onto the blanket. Momo curled up beside her, and they watched the clouds.